We spoke to a college principal about their role: An interview with Simon Forrest

Here’s what the principal of Hild Bede had to tell us about his role

2 hours ago

Simon Forrest is the Principal of Hild Bede, with a background in sociology and a long-standing focus on young people’s sexual health, gender, and education. Before joining Durham’s Sociology Department in 2019, he worked in schools, led research on HIV prevention, and helped set up peer-led sex ed programmes in medical schools.

We spoke to Simon about what being a college principal means to him and here’s what he said:

What was the process of becoming a college principal like? And how did you know you wanted to do it?

“It was a very rigorous and robust process. I went through about 7 forms of interview and meeting with groups of staff and students as well as two interviews with the recruitment firm the University used at that time. It was good it was so long and tough because it both focused my mind on whether I really wanted the role and also gave me lots of insight into it. But I knew even before that I wanted to serve a College community. I’d be a Head of Department in Durham and loved the way that we really worked closely with our students and also all the life around the academic element which is largely about Colleges. I have also never worked [anywhere] with such bright and committed young people who understand that they are the real body of the institution.”

What are your favourite parts about your job?

“The sense of belonging and purpose I am rewarded with through being in a College. The things people do – […] clubs and societies, leadership, activism […] – are remarkable and special. I enjoy above all other people’s pleasure in that and what they give and get from it.”

Bonnie Blue reveals the one off-limits thing she’s never done with a guy, even in her challenges

grads at the uni of bristol a russell group uni where they get averagey grad salaries tbh

Grads from these Russell Group unis get the highest salaries in 2025 – Oxbridge aren’t top

Official calls to remove Snoop Dogg as event headliner following bizarre ‘homophobic’ rant

What is something people might be surprised to know about 1. you and 2. your role?

“I am a Professor in Sociology but have no sociology degree; and, I was once a pop musician. Being a College Principal is incredibly varied – each day is different – I sometimes look at my diary and follow a PhD supervision with discussing what our librarians want to do with our study spaces, perhaps attend a meeting about estates and facilities and then go to a show or performance or dinner.”

What’s something unique or surprising that students or faculty from other colleges might not know about our college?

“We are old but that history is full of radical, bold activism. Particularly, being the first to award Durham [degrees] to women. That was a socially progressive [step] – and also within the University. It’s a reminder that being brave and principled is important and putting doing the right thing above the expedient.”

What university-wide issues do you feel most passionate about, and how do you hope to influence these from your position?

“The use of our expertise. I work with students who plan events which costs thousands of pounds and run brilliantly; I work with academics who know so much about their subjects; I work with alumni who have passion and love from us; and we could make so much more use of that energy, skill and expertise in thinking about the University and how it works and what [it] wants to do and be.”

If you could implement one change across the entire university, what would it be and why?

“Ensure every conversation started with the question, ‘How does what we [are] discussing relate and contribute to education, research and student experience?’. It goes too often unsaid as the start and end point of everything,”

If you could swap places with any professor at Durham for a day, who would it be, and why?

“I have so many friends and colleagues I would love to walk alongside for the day I can’t choose. What I’d want is to be with someone when they are having a conversation about whatever subject and with a colleague or student when they realise that they are really thinking about something new or seeing an old idea in a new way. That’s electric.”

What’re some of your favourite stories from your time as a college principal?

“So many! Holding a formal at which we sang Happy Birthday to an alumnus who was 93 years old and back to a formal for the first time in decades. We were all overcome with a sense of being part of something extraordinary. Seeing students achieve remarkable things – writing for publication or performance – overcoming personal challenge and trauma to secure their degree – laughing until I have cried at a theatre show – or crying with emotion as I have stood before the community of which I am part and dearly love. It all matters and the one thing I try to tell myself every day is that it will [be] the smallest thing that I should pay attention to but that will [be] a big thing to someone else. These are often where those stories start.”

Finally, what is the one thing you wish every student, regardless of their college, understood about the university experience?

“That at root it’s going to change things for you in ways that you may never anticipate. We should be creating room for that to happen and revelling in it. It can be tough – this is a smart place with high standards and expectations – but every now and then one needs to give it up to moment and be prepared to see where it takes you.”

May Thomson | Features

Take this test to find your perfect grad career AND score free cash vouchers

Win £20 to spend at some of the UK's biggest retailers

Universum | Brands