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 2022-23
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Julia Unwin DBE
Chair of the Board of Governors; Chair of Governance and Nominations Committee
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Neil Braithwaite
Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors; Finance and Capital Development Committee Chair; Remuneration Committee Chair
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Jennifer Adams
Audit Committee Chair
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Alison Davies
People Committee Chair
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The Rt Reverend Richard Frith
Foundation Committee Chair
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Mohammed Ali OBE
Governor
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Professor Karen Bryan OBE
Vice Chancellor
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Andrew Chang
Governor
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Brian Chiyesu
Governor
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Cath Clelland MBE
Governor
Russell Davidson
Governor
The Right Reverend Paul Ferguson
Governor
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Mark Fordyce
Governor
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Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL
Governor
Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi
Staff governor
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Isabella Sparling
Student Governor
Contact the Board of Governors
If you would like to contact the Board of Governors please email Kathryn Kendon: k.kendon@yorksj.ac.uk.