Leadership and governance
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors has collective strategic responsibility for oversight of the University’s activities.
The University's Board of Governors brings together appointed people from different backgrounds, including the public and private sectors, the Church, education, and the voluntary and community sector. It also has representatives drawn from the University’s staff, and its student body.
Together, Governors are the stewards of the mission and purpose of the University. The Board of Governors constructively hold the University to account for its decisions, and has statutory responsibilities to oversee various elements of its work, including its annual budget. It steers, shapes and supports the direction of the University. The Board of Governors meets in full three times a year.
You can read more about the University's vision and mission in its 2026 Strategy here: 2026 Strategy
The Board of Governors has adopted a Statement of Primary Responsibilities: Statement of Primary Responsibilities 2021-22 (PDF, 83 kB)
The Statement is aligned with the Higher Education Code of Governance and the registration conditions specified by the Office for Students (OfS).
Board of Governors 2023-24
![Governor Julia Unwin](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Julia-Unwin.jpg)
Julia Unwin DBE
Chair of the Board of Governors; Chair of Governance and Nominations Committee
![Governor Neil Braithwaite](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Neil-Braithwaite.jpg)
Neil Braithwaite
Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors; Finance and Capital Development Committee Chair; Remuneration Committee Chair
![Governor Jen Adams](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Jen-Adams.jpg)
Jennifer Adams
Audit Committee Chair
![Governor Alison Davies](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Gov-Body-Photos-25.jpg)
Alison Davies
People Committee Chair
![Governor Richard Frith](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Richard-Frith.jpg)
The Rt Reverend Richard Frith
Foundation Committee Chair
![Governor Mohammed Ali](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Mohammed-Ali.jpg)
Mohammed Ali OBE
Governor
![Vice Chancellor Karen Bryan](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1000/Vice-Chancellor.jpg)
Professor Karen Bryan OBE
Vice Chancellor
The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington
Governor
![Governor Andrew Chang](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Gov-Body-Photos-44.jpg)
Andrew Chang
Governor
![Governor Pauline Waterhouse](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Gov-Body-Photos-2.jpg)
Pauline Waterhouse OBE
Governor
![Governor Brian Chiyesu](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Gov-Body-Photos-15.jpg)
Brian Chiyesu
Governor
The Right Reverend Paul Ferguson
Governor
![Governor Mark Fordyce 2021](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Mark-Fordyce2.jpg)
Mark Fordyce
Governor
![Governor Graham Henderson](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Graham-Henderson.jpg)
Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL
Governor
Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi
Staff governor
![Governor Matt Blackstock](https://pxl-yorksjacuk.terminalfour.net/1600x1000/filters:quality(35)/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/staff-profile-images/governing-body/Gov-Body-Photos-15-(1).jpg)
Matt Blackstock
Student Governor
Andy Falconer
Governor