Sally Baldwin (1940-2003) came to York to study social administration and, on completing her diploma, was appointed the first research fellow at what would become the Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of York.

She was appointed Director of SPRU in 1987 and was made professor three years later in 1990. She was an expert in community care, disability and social security policy research. Sally was also a keen supporter of women’s rights generally, and of the Centre for Women’s Studies at York University specifically.

She served as an active member of York Community Health Council, and was a non-executive director of the York NHS Trust. 

Source: Obituary, Johnathan Bradshaw, The Guardian, 31 October 2003