Thom Brooks
Principal @Collingwood College, Durham University
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WORK HISTORY
Principal @Collingwood College, Durham University
Durham, GB
Leads Durham University’s largest college with responsibility for student experience, community leadership and strategic development within our collegiate system. Provides institutional leadership across student engagement, partnerships and external relations, strengthening the college’s contribution to the University and wider community. Lead initiatives connecting students with alumni, industry and public policy.Founder and Director of Collingwood Future, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on AI for impact, ethics and leadership. The programme brings together expertise from academia, industry and government to prepare students to lead in an era of rapid technological change, supporting the UK’s ambition for responsible innovation.
EDUCATION
Arizona State University
Master of Arts (M.A.), Political Science
The University of Sheffield
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Philosophy
University College Dublin
Master of Arts (M.A.), Philosophy
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Music, Political Science
SKILLS
ABOUT THOM BROOKS
Thom Brooks has spent two decades placing independent expertise advising government departments, informing parliamentary inquiry and shaping the policy landscape on citizenship, immigration and criminal justice.As Principal of Collingwood College and Chair in Law, Ethics and Government at Durham University, he brings together academic rigour and sustained public commitment. His advisory work spans the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the BBC. He currently serves on the Office for National Statistics Migration Expert Group contributing independent expertise to the evidence base on which national policy is made.Brooks\'s influence on Parliament is direct and formally recognised. His research on citizenship and the Life in the UK test contributed to the House of Lords inquiry that preceded reform of the naturalisation process. His leadership of Durham Law School was acknowledged by an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons (EDM 875). The reach of his scholarship extends to where it matters most. His work on punishment and justice was selected by the UK Research Councils as among the Top 100 Big Ideas for the Future. His work was subsequently cited by the Connecticut Supreme Court in its landmark decision to abolish capital punishment demonstrating influential impact in another jurisdiction.As founding Director of Collingwood Future, he leads a new initiative bringing together university expertise, industry leaders and public sector to advance ethical AI governance and prepare future leaders for responsible decision-making in an era of rapid technological change.Across more than broadcast appearances on the BBC, ITV, Sky News and CNN and as a regular contributor to The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph, Brooks has consistently translated complex questions of law, justice and democratic governance into informed public understanding.His purpose throughout has been consistent: knowledge in service of society. Strengthening democratic institutions. Promoting fair, evidence-based policy. Contributing to national life in ways that extend well beyond the academy.
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