Chris Whitaker was awarded a Doctor of Letters on Monday 13 January, in recognition of his commitment to disability equality in sports. The honorary degree award celebrates his invaluable ongoing work in promoting inclusivity, supporting aspiring and successful athletes to develop and flourish.
Chris graduated with a PhD in Law from the University of Sheffield in 2012. He has since worked in prominent strategy and leadership roles across the charity and sports sectors, and is passionate about using his own experience of living with cerebral palsy to help make sport inclusive for everybody.
In his current role at Sport England, Chris provides key support and guidance on disability inclusion. He’s a Trustee for Power2Inspire - a charity encouraging inclusion through sport - and recently joined the Board of Directors for World Disability Billiards and Snooker, extending his positive influence globally.
Championing the value of diversity
Reflecting on his honorary degree after the ceremony, Chris - an ardent Sheffield Wednesday fan - said: “It’s been an amazing day, and it’s really special to receive it here. All roads in my life seem to lead to Sheffield, whether through the University, football, or snooker...I even learned I'd got my first proper job in disability work while I was here!
“It’s such a privilege, and very humbling to receive an honorary degree from this University; it puts me in the company of some incredible people. There’s definitely a touch of imposter syndrome that kicks in at first, but it feels incredibly special, especially given my wider affinity for the city.
“It also underlines one of the key points in my acceptance speech - recognising the importance and the value of diversity. I'm a firm believer in the idea that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it - so a huge thanks to Sheffield for helping me demonstrate that.”
Society remains a very unequal place in many ways, and there’s a great deal more vital work to be done in challenging that. Being awarded an honorary degree for the difference I’m making is really galvanising.
It also brings a great feeling of responsibility to carry on that work, and to remain worthy of the recognition I’ve been lucky enough to receive today.”
Chris Whitaker
Head of Disability, Sport England, and honorary degree recipient 2025
Chris was initially put forward as an honorary degree candidate after volunteering at The Boardroom. This masterclass series invites leading Sheffield alumni to provide current students with expert career insight.
Chris spoke about how to be an inclusive leader, and remains keen to share his journey with more Sheffield students in future. “There’s always a need for students to hear voices from all backgrounds, with valuable experiences to pass on," he confirms.
"I know I'm lucky to have had loads of positive influences helping me out along the way, so I'd definitely love to keep paying that forward for others.”
An affinity forged in Sheffield
On the formative power of his long-standing relationship with the Steel City, Chris is unequivocal: "Oh, it’s been huge, without a doubt. Sheffield is a wonderful place to be, with loads of great people and fantastic opportunities. Wherever I’ve gone subsequently, I’ve always carried bits of it with me.
"In my acceptance speech I chose to recognise a fellow Sheffield Law student, Dr James Muiruri, who completed the fastest PhD in the School's history. Although James is sadly no longer with us, I was honoured to dedicate my award to him. His sense of justice and passion for making a difference through law was hugely inspiring to me personally.
"In that sort of spirit, I’m really looking forward to my own honorary degree award being another key step in my ongoing relationship with this University.”
Interested in sharing your experience with the next generation of Sheffield graduates, just like Chris?
Visit our Alumni volunteering pages to learn more about The Boardroom and other exciting opportunities.