Durham University is Philip's alma mater and in recent years he has become closely involved with raising the profile of the University.
The University has a long and proud record of producing successful leaders, most notably in sport, with Andrew Strauss, Will Carling, Phil de Glanville and Nasser Hussain all graduating from Durham. Other distinguished graduates have included Jonathan Edwards, Mo Mowlam, Will Greenwood, George Alagiah.
In 2010 Philip was invited by the then Vice Chancellor, Christopher Higgins, to help form and become a member of a new Advisory Council to the University to focus on a new initiative – ‘Leaders for Tomorrow’ – as well as raising the profile of the University internationally.
Separately Philip has also been involved in campaigning for a rugby academy to be set up in the north-east of England.