FORMER Olympic runner David Moorcroft OBE is firing the starting gun on a new series of ethical lectures at a college this week.
Mr Moorcroft, who will be discussing ethics in sport on Wednesday, is the first in a series of guest speakers at Newman University College, in Birmingham, addressing the issue of working and living ethically in the 21st century.
Mr Moorcroft, 57, began life as a teacher before becoming a top international runner, representing Great Britain at three Olympics and setting British, European and a world record at 5,000m in 1982.
He spent 10 years as chief executive of governing body UK Athletics, during which time he steered it towards financial security following the demise of its predecessor, the British Athletic Federation.
He also developed the Coventry Sports Foundation, where he remains a trustee, and now runs sports consultancy pointfourone in Coventry.
The lecture series will run through to the end of this academic year with the next guest hailing from the retail industry, although their identity is yet to be confirmed by the college.
As well as hearing about the speakers’ personal experiences, guests will also have the chance to quiz them on topical issues and network with fellow attendees.
Professor Peter Lutzeier, principal and chief executive of Newman University College, said: “The banking crisis and subsequent economic downturn have drawn the need to operate responsibly into sharper focus over recent years.
“While ethics is ultimately a personal issue, the way we interact with colleagues, customers, suppliers and members of the community is tremendously important.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming guests to Newman University College and engaging in some interesting debates around the issue of ethics in many different walks of life.”
