Community leader Dennis Robbins recognised with honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University
Dennis Robbins received his award for his outstanding service to the city.
The award celebrates Dennis’ exceptional and inspiring leadership of The Hunslet Club, one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing youth organisations, along with his lifelong commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
Dennis first joined The Hunslet Club as a member in 1971 at the age of nine. Since then, he has moved up from volunteer to Chief Executive Officer, a role he has held since 2003. Under his leadership, the club has transformed a small, volunteer-led charity into a vital community hub employing over 60 staff and supporting more than 3,500 young people annually. In 2024, it was named Community Club of the Year at the Leeds Sports Awards.
Dennis Robbins said: “It is a real honour to receive this type of recognition from one of Leeds’s finest institutions. Working for 25 years in the charity sector has been extremely fulfilling and rewarding and receiving an award such as this is a pleasant and unexpected surprise.”
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor said: “Dennis Robbins has made an extraordinary contribution to the city of Leeds. Through his tireless leadership of The Hunslet Club, he has improved countless lives, built sporting careers and helped to create a stronger, fairer community. We are proud to honour his work with this award.”
Dennis Robbins received his honorary doctorate during Leeds Beckett’s graduation week in July. Nearly 8,000 students will graduate from the university this summer.