Honorary graduates

2008

Mr Desmond Flynn, (posthumous), Inspector General and Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws presented posthumously in recognition of his significant contribution to public affairs, public administration and law reform in the field of insolvency law and practice.

Inspector General and Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service from 2001 until his retirement in 2007, Des Flynn began his career as a trainee examiner with the Official Receiver's office in London in 1968, rising to become Principal Inspector of Official Receivers in 1988 and Deputy Inspector of the Insolvency Service in 1989.

Through his advice to Ministers, Mr Flynn played a leading role in shaping insolvency policy, professional regulation and enforcement in what became the Insolvency Act 2000 and the Enterprise Act 2002. He was highly visible in the media commenting on the introduction of the personal insolvency reforms from April 2004 and in recent years as a member of Working Parties on the Remuneration of Officeholders and on the regulation of the Insolvency Service, as well as being active in promoting the evidence-based evaluation of insolvency law and practice.

He contributed to the work of the University via his support for collaborative education and provision, particularly the Certificate and Diploma in Insolvency Practice programmes, which, in partnership with the Centre for Management Development within Nottingham Business School, provide training for insolvency examiners working with the offices of Official Receivers. He also supported a studentship on consumer debt and household decision-making, which, in partnership with the Insolvency Service is fostering research in this socially relevant area.