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St George’s Crypt CEO Chris Fields awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University
Chris graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2006 with a Cert Managing in Health and Social Care Organisations.
Chris has been the CEO of the Leeds-based charity since 2014 and joined back in 1999.
St George’s Crypt is a charity that provides services to support the homeless community and those suffering from addiction in Leeds. They work closely alongside the NHS, Leeds City Council, and other charities to provide support and help their service users.
The charity manages over 158-bed spaces across the city, offers Leeds’s only residential therapeutic addiction service, three charity shops, an outside catering business and a cookery school, which all support the homeless and vulnerable in Leeds.
Chris Fields, CEO of St Georges Crypt, said: "I am truly delighted to accept this award. As a lad from Armley who wasn’t able to access further or higher education upon leaving school, it has been a lifelong quest to climb the management ladder and further my education and skills throughout my career.
"To be recognised for my work in the city is a great honour but must be shared with the amazing team at St Georges Crypt, who are like-minded people that just want people to thrive. One of my proudest achievements is to say that over 30% of our workforce are ex-clients of the charity and have lived experience.
"’It is now time for me to share the knowledge and gained understanding with those who are just beginning their careers."
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor said: "On behalf of all of our staff, students and Governors here at Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate Chris Fields on this Honorary Degree.
"We’re proud to see one of our alumni being recognised for the important role he plays in Leeds; his work supports the most vulnerable people in the city."
Leeds Beckett University and St Georges Crypt have a longstanding partnership, Dr Philomena Commons, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett’s School of Health, and students from BA/MSc Physiotherapy offer a weekly physiotherapy service, which supports those in need and provides research and project opportunities to students.
The Honorary Doctorate was granted as part of the university’s 2023 Graduation ceremonies at the first direct arena in Leeds.