Robert Hutton

After five years as Director of Estates at the University, Robert Hutton, has retired to a family farm in northern Kenya. We caught him on his last day at Sussex to ask him about his time here.

The highlight from a professional standpoint is the manner in which the Estates team responded to the Covid crisis, managing the University and maintaining business continuity - something that hopefully won't be repeated. Also, a number of the projects we've delivered: finishing East Slope, managing the RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) crisis; a new Eat Central and whole new contract of catering. Multiple highlights I think.

If I could call out one person in my team, it would be Scott Noble (Head of Service Delivery) who received a British Empire Medal for his contribution to the community during Covid. We have the most amazing set of colleagues in Estates. Our cleaning staff do a wonderful job, especially through the student accommodation. Security are here every hour of the day and have been through some very challenging times. Our grounds team are at 5.00 am picking up litter. I'd also like to give a shout out to the catering team, to Housing, and Sussexsport.

It will be interesting to see when West Slope is up and running, how the whole dynamic of the campus shifts further up the valley in terms of the provision of amenities - a new supermarket, new study spaces, new accommodation. It'll be really exciting to see all that. I also hope we've managed some further improvement to research facilities in support of science at the University.

I recommend to people early on to take the Boundary Walk and view the campus from on top of the hill. It's quite inspiring up there. Go into the ACCA, and the Mandela Hall – and take a little time to sit in the Meeting House on a sunny day. It’s also worth going to work in other places on campus. When we were fixing the RAAC in Bramber House, I used the Library as an office for three months and I really enjoyed it. I felt I was amongst all the people that we’re here to serve.

I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to plot your exact course. I didn't resist any opportunity that was put in front of me, and I was able to assess which one I wanted to take. So, I would say to all our graduates go out there with an open mind. The other thing is, be brave and follow your passion. I only joined the Army for three years and ended up doing nearly 20. I only went to Hong Kong for three years and stayed there for 15. We've just got to be open to it, take those opportunities and see where it might take you.