Jason Rigby

We have learned, with great sadness, of the death of our colleague Jason Rigby, who passed away on 26th January 2026 after a short illness.

Jason Rigby was born in the East Midlands and remained in the region throughout his life. His first role at the University was in the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) after having previously worked as an administrator for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Primary Care Trust. At the LDC his energy, drive, enthusiasm and organisational skills meant that he was promoted internally twice from a trial administrator and personal assistant to the Diabetes Nurse Consultant (2011-12), first to Education Support Manager (2012-14) and then Departmental Support Manager (2015-17). These roles supported the missions of education, training and research as well as supporting infrastructure and safety. One of his highlights during his time at the LDC was studying for and getting an MBA which for someone who, by his own admission, did not excel at school was a testament to his academic ability, commitment and perseverance.

His expertise then led him to return to an NHS-focussed role in NHS Health education England (2017-23), a role in which he initially co-ordinated placement trainee GPs in the East Midlands, liaising with trusts, heads of schools, universities and other organisations for governance, and to ensure trainees were fully supported. Later he assisted with tracking of funding data, of past and future funding, for the training and development of healthcare trainees, across undergraduate, postgraduate, dental and clinical professions. He also provided senior administration support for the National Funding Strategy and Commissioning Team.

In July 2024, Jason returned to the University in the Department of Respiratory Sciences as a research administrator supporting an international EU-funded study to determine the effects of biological therapies in severe asthma with an aim to determine reasons why some people respond really well to therapies whilst others do not. Coming back to the University meant he was reunited with colleagues who had previously worked with him in the LDC.  Colleagues he had known for several years were delighted, saying, "It was a pleasure to work with Jason again. He quietly got on with his work in such a pragmatic way, and he was a great listener, a friend, and a valued colleague.," Kindness is a strong theme from comments by colleagues who also remember his great sense of humour and wit together with a purposefulness to get things done. Colleagues also fondly remember his collection of brightly coloured shoes that perfectly coordinated with his outfits, especially the green and blue pair, which he kept behind his desk at work.

Outside of work, Jason was so fond and proud of Oscar, their dog. He loved taking him for walks and would often show pictures to colleagues - clearly a proud parent. 

Jason and his husband Shaun Monkman married in 2008. Shaun is also a long-standing member of the University family currently as the Ethics and Integrity Manager.

Jason sadly died on 26th January 2026 after a short illness - he is deeply missed.