School of Law and Politics appoints new head

Professor Warren Barr has been appointed as the new Head of the School of Law and Politics.

Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Professor Barr joins Cardiff University following a 25-year career, as an academic at Liverpool University. Specialising in charity law, social housing and property law, Professor Barr began his 5-year tenure as Head of School on 1 September 2022 and is currently taking time to meet his colleagues across all disciplines and familiarise himself with his new academic home and city.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Barr said, “My number one priority is to get to know the brilliant people here at the school, and to support them in agreeing a vision for us to move forward on to even greater things. I’d like to build on the astounding legacy of real-world research impact, provide an excellent experience for all colleagues and students and to let the world at large know just how important the work going on here is. I am a firm believer that great things happen when great people feel empowered to move things forward.”

Following the pandemic and in light of the international challenges that are impacting us all, Professor Barr believes community and kindness should be at the centre of what we do.

He said, “I prefer to see challenges as opportunities, and there are so many opportunities within Wales, the UK and internationally for this school to build on the fantastic work that is ongoing. Perhaps the greatest test for us is to effectively manage change. UK HEIs find themselves in an ever-shifting environment in terms of policy, regulation and competition. I’m excited to help address these issues, empowered by the fact that universities such as Cardiff are agents for positive change in the world.”

Professor Barr, who is looking forward to welcoming the latest cohort of students to the school this term, gave this advice, “To any students who have joined or are considering joining our community, I have the following advice – engage with everything and seize all opportunities offered to you.  Life at university is much more than the scheduled classes, excellent though they are, and the great delights offered by Cardiff nightlife. Most of all, enjoy the experience – it will be, and you will become, world changing.”

Whilst at Liverpool University, Professor Barr was appointed to a variety of roles including Head of Department, Interim Dean and Academic Lead for Student Experience in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. During this time his contribution to leadership in learning and teaching was recognised by membership as a Principal Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. Professor Barr is Vice Chair of the Committee of Heads of University Law Schools (CHULS), an academic member of the Property Bar Association and Chair of the Modern Studies in Property Law Board. He is also co-author of a leading Equity & Trusts textbook, Pearce & Stevens Trusts and Equitable Obligations (published by Oxford University Press).

Professor Barr’s teaching interests include Equity and Trusts, Land Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, Law of Charities.