The University has appointed a new Director of the Sussex Language Institute (SLI), who will take up his post in September.

Professor Ray Satchell comes to Sussex from the University of Bristol, where he is currently Director of the Language Centre. Previous employers have included the Universities of Stockholm, Helsinki and Tampere and the British Council.

He is a former and the founding Chair of the Association of University Language Centres (AULC) and a former Vice-President of the European Confederation of University Language Centres (CERCLES).

Over the past 20 years Professor Satchell has designed and implemented an extensive portfolio of language and teacher-training programmes for students from China, Japan, Korea and many other parts of the world.

He has also been the national representative for English as a Foreign Language on the University Council for Modern Languages (UCML) and a member of the Accreditation Board of the British Association for Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP).

Commenting on his appointment at Sussex, Professor Satchell said: "Sussex is renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary co-operation.

"Consequently, I look forward to working with SLI professionals and colleagues from all disciplines on the design and introduction of an enhanced and innovative portfolio of language programmes to equip the global citizens of the future."

The appointment of a new Director for SLI followed from a review last year, which recommended that a new Director be appointed without delay, following the departure of the previous Director.

Other key recommendations of the review relate to SLI working with and supporting schools across the University in the development of language-learning opportunities to provide wider opportunities for Sussex students to acquire or improve language skills.

The review also recommended that SLI move away from its own degree-awarding activity and move towards a model that delivers language proficiency embedded in a range of academic programmes.

Discussion in relation to these recommendations of the review will be taken forward following Professor Satchell's appointment.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Chris Marlin, said: "Language learning is a key component of our internationalisation strategy and Ray brings to Sussex substantial experience of increasing the number of students studying languages.

"He will be working with all schools to raise awareness of the value of the services provided by the SLI, and supporting them in developing language-learning opportunities as part of their degree programmes.

"I would also like to express our appreciation to the Acting Co-Directors, Jeremy Page and Benedict O'Donohoe, for their efforts over the last few months. I look forward to working with them and the other staff of SLI as we further develop language teaching at Sussex."