The Christopher Moyes Memorial Foundation was created by Jan Moyes, in memory of Christopher Moyes OBE who died in 2006. Chris was a founder of the Go-Ahead group, chair of Durham University council, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Durham and a great family man. Chris was widely respected as a quiet, effective leader who believed in making a difference.
The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) is proud to celebrate its long-standing partnership with the Christopher Moyes Foundation, which was formally established in November 2009 in memory of Christopher Moyes OBE. Founded by Jan Moyes, the Foundation was created to honour Chris's commitment to County Durham, and, in particular, IHRR, by supporting projects that reflect the values and causes that were important to him.
For more than fifteen years, the Foundation's generous support has enabled postgraduate students to undertake research that addresses some of the world's most significant hazard, risk and resilience challenges. A particular focus has been the support of students from the Global South, helping talented researchers develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to make a lasting difference in communities facing environmental, social and health-related risks.
Research supported through this partnership has explored issues as diverse as flood vulnerability in Bangladesh, the health impacts of volcanic ash and malaria eradication in collaboration with a Tanzanian health institute. Through these and many other projects, the Foundation has helped advance research that contributes to building safer, more resilient communities across the world.
The Foundation's support has played an important role in the growth and international reach of IHRR, creating opportunities for postgraduate researchers while strengthening the Institute's mission to understand and address the challenges posed by hazards, risks and resilience in an increasingly complex world.
We are delighted to recognise and celebrate the impact of the partnership since 2009 and to share the story of this enduring partnership through the digital brochure below.
Download the digital brochure: CMMF Brochure 2026
The Foundation has made a long-standing commitment to funding postgraduate researchers at IHRR, with a particular focus on supporting students from the Global South. Through this support, researchers have investigated a diverse range of global challenges, from flood vulnerability and environmental hazards to public health and community resilience.
The Foundation is administered by four trustees and chaired by Jan Moyes, Chris's widow, and is a registered UK charity.
Chris Moyes, OBE (1949 - 2006), was a founder of Go Ahead Group, one of the UK’s largest transport businesses. Born in Shropshire and educated at Liverpool and Salford Universities, Chris joined the National Bus Company in 1971 as a management trainee. After privatisation of the company in 1987 he founded the Go Ahead Group, becoming Deputy Chief Executive in 1999 and Chief Executive in 2004.
Chris settled in Durham in the late eighties with his wife Jan and three daughters, Charlotte, Caroline and Elizabeth. Chris was heavily involved with the local community, as a deputy Lieutenant of County Durham and, later, Chairman of the Council of Durham University in 2001.
Visit the Christopher Moyes Memorial Foundation website
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