UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner to Take Up Role at St Mary's

The UK’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Mr Hyland will join the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery, part of St Mary’s School of Arts and Humanities, to develop research and activity into anti-slavery initiatives. Kevin Hyland is the UK’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. He was appointed in November 2014 after a thirty year career as a senior detective with the London Metropolitan Police, specialising in tackling serious and organised crime, and between 2010 and 2014 he was Head of the Met’s Human Trafficking Unit. Mr Hyland was also a key force in establishing the Santa Marta Group, an international taskforce set up by Pope Francis to tackle human trafficking and modern day slavery. The group is an alliance of bishops and police chiefs led by St Mary’s Chancellor Cardinal Vincent Nichols. St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell said, “I am delighted that Kevin has joined St Mary’s University as a Visiting Professor. He has decades of experience in fighting serious crime, and in recent years has played a leading role in combatting the scourge of human trafficking. St Mary’s is a committed partner in those efforts and intends to play an increasingly active role in the years ahead.” Kevin Hyland said, “I am delighted to join St Mary’s as a Visiting Professor and look forward to working with the dedicated and committed team at the Bakhita Centre. Modern slavery is a crime against humanity and we must continue to build on the work that is now being undertaken globally to combat this evil. St Mary’s is taking a lead in those efforts and I am keen to use this position to further this important work.” Mr Hyland’s appointment is the latest in a series of high-profile appointments as St Mary's celebrates its 165th anniversary. Other appointments have included former Irish President Mary McAleese, who was made Distinguished Professor in Irish Studies while leading barrister Cherie Blair, renowned theologian Monsignor Roderick Strange, and Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward have all been appointed as Visiting Professors in recent months.