Two leading healthcare experts are set to share their expertise with staff and students of Cumbria University.

Marc Seale, chief executive of the Health and Care Professions Council, will join Toby Rowland, one of the army's most senior healthcare leaders, in providing fresh insight and expertise.

They are joining the institution as Professors of Practice who are are experts in their field, recruited to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment across the university which has campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and London.

They will join existing Professors of Practice Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid and Keith Partridge who work within the university’s Institute of the Arts at the Brampton Road campus in Stanwix, Carlisle.

The University of Cumbria is heavily involved in the training of health professionals.

Mr Seale, chief executive of the regulator that oversees the training of healthcare staff, is ideally placed to pass on the latest developments in this area.

Meanwhile with 20 years’ experience as a senior military healthcare leader, Toby Rowland has provided medical support on operations and deployments worldwide.

Not only has he been closely involved in the development of medical skills and facilities around the world, Mr Rowland has pursued a research career with posts in leukaemia research and commercial biotechnology.

It is hoped both will be able to contribute within the forthcoming academic year.

Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: "Not only will they will make a significant contribution to the delivery of our university strategy, which places a strong emphasis on meeting current and future skills needs in the region, they will also be involved in activities such as curriculum design and delivery and student mentoring."