University Chancellors are symbolic roles which historically fulfill the function of representing the Sovereign at degree awarding ceremonies. At places in touch with their history (Cambridge, for instance), when the Chancellor confers a degree upon a student, the student kneels before the chancellor, clasps their hands together (as if to pray) and the Chancellor places their hands over those of the student. This is a ritual of Feudal Homage, although at more 'progressive' Universities such as Salford, a simple handshake usually does the trick.
Unfortunately, for Irene Khan, the University of Salford's ceremonial figurehead, recent events have left her looking less than divine.
When appointed as Chancellor of the University, she was - on the face of it - a highly regarded public figure as Secretary-General of Amnesty International. In the subsequent two years, she has left AI and has since scaled to the dizzying heights of Consultant Editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star.
She seemingly didn't leave AI without a fight, pocketing a tidy £533,000 sum upon her departure - a figure which puts even former UoS Vice-Chancellor Michael "Didn't we do well" Harloe to shame.
Mercifully she has since resigned from her role as a Board Member of the UK's Charity Commission. Yet she still clings on at UoS.
She must feel right at home there.
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