Board of Governors - University of Staffordshire

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Board of Governors

Our Board of Governors is made up of independent representatives alongside staff governors, student governors and the Vice-Chancellor.

Independent Governors

Jonathan Chapman

Deputy Chair of the Board

Jonathan is the Deputy Chair of the Board and has held a number of senior management roles in the financial services industry.

Jonathan's profile

Dean Clegg

Independent Governor

Dean has held a number of senior executive roles across retail operations, property and sourcing.

Dean's profile

Mohit Dhingra

Independent Governor

Mohit has held a number of Audit and Risk roles in global organisations, building high performing teams and improving Risk & Control Governance interfacing with Boards and C-level Execs.

Mohit's profile

Baljinder Kuller

Independent Governor

Baljinder is the Founder and Managing Director of The Supply Register, and has a passions for education and supporting disadvantaged children and young people.

Baljinder's profile

Josie Morris

Independent Governor

Born and bred in Staffordshire, Josie is MD at two-time Queens Award winners, Woolcool, a 2nd Generation, family business founded in 2009.

Josie's profile

Kim Newell Chebator

Independent Governor

A life-long learner with authenticity, integrity, collaboration, and knack for creative problem solving at the foundation of her executive experience in global financial services.

Kim's profile

Juliet Oosthuysen

Independent Governor

Juliet is an experienced marketing and brand strategist with a proven track record of delivering commercial growth, brand transformation, and customer-led innovation across the retail, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors.

Juliet's profile

Alison Tonge

Independent Governor

Alison brings deep expertise in strategic planning, governance, financial oversight, and transformation.

Alison's profile

Will Spinks

Independent Governor

Will acts as a Chair and Trustee Director of some North-West based charities and continues to provide independent advice to a number of organisations associated with Higher Education.

Will 's profile

Tayyeb Shah

Independent Governor

Tayyeb Shah is the Vice President of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) and Managing Director of HSC Education.

Tayyeb 's profile

Staff Governors

Dr Chris Smyth

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Dr Chris Smyth is a Psychology academic with extensive experience in teaching, research, student recruitment and academic leadership. His research focuses on personality, social relationships, ostracism, mental health and wellbeing.

Chris's profile

Jo Nixon

Professional Support Services Staff Governor

Jo is a dedicated transformation professional with over 20 years of experience at University of Staffordshire.

Jo's profile

Student Governors

Tasha Cork

President of University of Staffordshire Students' Union

Natasha Cork, President of Staffordshire Students’ Union, leads the Officer team, serves as Student Governor and chairs the Board of Trustees. A first-generation student, she champions safety, inclusion and student voice, driving positive change.

Tasha's profile

Zain Javed

Vice-President of University of Staffordshire Students' Union

Zain, VP at Staffordshire Students’ Union (2026/27), represents and advocates for students, especially internationals. A former Course Rep and MSc Business Computing graduate, he promotes belonging, amplifies student voices and supports change.

Zain 's profile

Co-opted committee members

Ian Jenkinson

Co-opted Sustainability Committee Member

Ian is a chartered engineer who has worked at every level of local government from trainee technician to Chief Executive.

Ian's profile

Andrew McManus

Coopted Committee Member

Andrew's background revolves around manufacturing and engineering.

Andrew 's profile

Vice-Chancellor

Professor Philip Plowden

Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Professor Plowden has served as Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Staffordshire since 1 May 2026.

Philip's profile

Request minutes

If you would like to request copies of meeting minutes, please email the Clerk to the Board of Governors.

i.blachford@staffs.ac.uk