A FAMILIAR face who has helped drive Cumbria's tourism industry and an expert in child protection issues are to inspire future generations of county students.

Ian Stephens, a former managing director of Cumbria Tourism, and Dr Andrew Turnell have been appointed as professors of practice at the University of Cumbria.

Mr Stephens will support the development of the university’s tourism and visitor economy offering.

Meanwhile Dr Andrew Turnell, a co-creator of the Signs of Safety approach to child protection casework, will work with the university‘s social work staff.

The professor of practice role at the institution, which has two sites in Carlisle among its campuses, recognises individuals eminent in their field of practice.

It also seeks to draw on such talent and standing to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment for students.

As an experienced managing director with a history of working in the leisure, travel and tourism industry, Mr Stephens has experience and skills in marketing management, destination development and organisation change management.

He will play a lead role working with university staff and other organisations including the Cumbria Local Enterprise to ensure the University of Cumbria develops courses that is relevant to the county's needs, with national and international reach.

Mr Stephens said: "I have enjoyed a long association with the university and welcome the chance to play an active role in the development of tourism as a subject which will bring wide ranging benefits to Cumbria and beyond."

Dr Turnell has a strong affinity to the north of England since he became widely known internationally for his work with children’s services.

Over two decades he has developed close ties to the region and will be among the main speakers at the university's social work conference, which is being held next May.

"The professorship of practice is particularly important and meaningful for me because the social work profession has always struggled with its professional identity often allowing our profession to be defined by the knowledge bases of psychology and psychiatry," said Dr Andrew Turnell.

He added: "Social work has trouble believing that what practitioners actually do in practice is important. I believe that our direct work is actually the central location of our professional identity."

The pair join Marc Seale, chief executive of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Toby Rowland, one of the army’s most senior healthcare leaders, announced as professors in practice earlier this year.

Elsewhere in the university, Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid and Keith Partridge are working within its Institute of the Arts bringing expertise of the cultural world to students and others in Carlisle.

University vice chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: "Appointing professors of practice brings an added dimension to the range and quality of teaching we can offer at Cumbria.

"Not only will they will make a significant contribution to the delivery of our university strategy, which places a strong emphasis on meeting current and future skills needs in the region, they will also be involved in activities such as curriculum design and delivery and student mentoring.

"By bringing industry experts to work in collaboration with the university, means our students gain even more real world experience from those who are actively involved at the highest level."

The University of Cumbria has campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and London.