Michael Chamberlain

We have learned with sadness of the death of Michael Chamberlain OBE, a former University Treasurer and, as a Distinguished Honorary fellow, holder of the University's highest honour. Michael passed away on 27 October 2025, aged 86.

Michael Aubrey Chamberlain was educated at Repton School and chose accountancy as his career. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant in 1963. By 1974, he had achieved a partnership in KPMG Peat Marwick, and served in this capacity until 1993. Following his retirement, he served in 1993-94 as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountant in England and Wales, and from 1998 as Chairman of the Chartered Accountants’ Compensation Scheme.

He also made a significant contribution to the governance of the Church of England. He served as Chairman of the Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance from 1983-98, and as a member of the Archbishop’s Council and Chairman of its Finance Committee from 1999. He was a member of the Advisory Board of the Royal School of Church Music and was a Director of Allchurches Trust Ltd. In 1982 Michael was made Canon at Leicester Cathedral, a title which he held until 2014, becoming Canon Emeritus until his passing. In 2007 he was awarded OBE for services to the Church of England.

The University acknowledged Michael's achievements in 1993 with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. From 1996 served on the University’s Council and in 1999, he became University Treasurer, a position he filled until 2008. In this role he was responsible for leading the governance activities which provide for the monitoring of the University’s financial performance, including serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his work with the church.