UNIVERSITY College Worcester has continued to strengthen its board of directors as it bids for full-university status.

Joanna Bruce, a former NHS director from Herefordshire, is the latest recruit to add her financial skills and leadership credentials to the St John's college.

Ms Bruce has 25 years of experience in healthcare and youth services, including being a non-executive director of Herefordshire Primary Care Trust.

"Working within the NHS has given me the qualities required for governance within large organisations," she said.

"I'm committed to the important public sector values of transparency, equity and probity, and hopefully my skills and previous experience will help enrich the already good work of UCW."

Ms Bruce has a number of strings to her bow, not least her work as an acupuncturist, specialising in treating drug and alcohol dependence.

UCW Principal, Professor David Green, welcomed her to the board.

"Joanna has a wealth of experience. She will be a valuable addition to the UCW team," he said.