A senior Durham University leader has received one of the City of London’s historic civic honours after more than 40 years working across government, media, civil society and higher education.
Lucian J Hudson, the university’s Executive Director of Communications & External Relations, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London on 23 September 2026. He received the honour during a ceremony at The Guildhall in the City of London.
The award recognises contributions to environmental affairs, civic engagement and collaboration between different sectors during a distinguished public-service career. For Durham University, the honour adds a notable national and civic distinction to the career of a senior figure who has worked across public institutions and higher education.
A career spanning government and higher education
Mr Hudson’s professional background includes senior communications roles at the University of Oxford, The Open University, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Cabinet Office.
According to Durham University, his work has covered major global, national and regional issues. These have included environmental policy, society’s response to Foot and Mouth Disease and other risks to the public.
The university says he has developed a reputation for helping organisations, communities and policymakers work through complex challenges. His career has combined communications leadership with public-service and institutional responsibilities.
Mr Hudson joined Durham University in June 2020. In January 2023, he became Professor in Practice in Leadership and Organisations at Durham University Business School.
In that role, he contributes professional expertise to Durham EDGE, the Business School’s platform for executive and professional education.
What the Freedom of the City represents
The Freedom of the City of London is one of the City’s oldest traditions and dates back to the 13th century. It is now awarded to people who have made significant contributions to public life, their profession or the wider community.
One traditional route to becoming a Freeman is through membership of a City livery company. These organisations began as medieval trade guilds and continue to support education, charitable causes and professional standards.
Mr Hudson received the Freedom through his membership of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. The historic company was founded more than 650 years ago and promotes the welfare of the horse while supporting the farriery profession.
The company also works to preserve City of London traditions and advance education and charitable work.
A Durham University image from the ceremony shows Alderman Tim Hailes with Lucian J Hudson, his wife Margaret and his cousin Antonina.