Burgess (pictured) joined NatCen as chair in February 2012 and will depart in February 2021 after completing the recommended nine-year tenure.

NatCen will appoint a new chair over the summer.

During his time at NatCen, Burgess helped the organisation through the aftermath of the financial crisis and has since overseen increased revenue. NatCen runs the British Social Attitudes survey and has run several surveys on mental health in recent years.

Before joining NatCen, Burgess was vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, a role he held for 15 years prior to retiring in 2014.

James Thickett, deputy chair at NatCen, said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Bob over the past few years as he has steered NatCen through challenging times, not least the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a huge tribute to him that the organisation remains in such a strong financial position and is now poised to be even more important and influential in meeting future challenges ahead.”

Guy Goodwin, chief executive at NatCen, said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with and learn from Sir Bob since I joined NatCen in 2016. We have held a shared vision and purpose for the organisation which has underpinned NatCen’s recent successes.

“Sir Bob brings leadership and a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon – he will be much missed.”