ALTHOUGH a figurehead role, the post of university chancellor is extremely important.

As the University of Liverpool puts it: “The chancellor should be a person of distinction, but not an active politician.

“Outstanding academic achievement or excellence in some other field would be a high recommendation.

“He or she should represent those human and cultural values for which the university stands and should be in a position to be of benefit to the university in its public face.”

Roles include assisting in high-profile fundraising, developing opportunities for the university overseas and raising the profile and representing the university abroad.

As ceremonial head of the university, the chancellor’s tasks include conferring degrees at graduation ceremonies.

Sir David will follow in the footsteps of some high-calibre appointments who have held the role over the years.

Previous University of Liverpool chancellors were: 1903-1908, Frederick Arthur Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby; 1909-1948, Edward George Villiers Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby; 1949-1950, Oliver Frederick George Stanley; 1951-1971, Robert Arthur James Gascoyne-Cecil, 5th Marquess of Salisbury; 1972-1979: Sir Kenneth Clinton Wheare; 1980-1993: Philip William Bryce Lever, 3rd Viscount Leverhulme; 1994-1995, Sir Alastair Pilkington; 1996-2009: Lord Owen.