Kate, who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, joined the Board as Chair-Elect on 1 October 2026 and takes over as Chair from 1 December. She succeeds Jonathan Chapman, who has been Interim Chair.

She brings extensive experience of economics, public policy and university governance. She served for nine years on the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee and led two landmark government reviews, the Barker Review of Housing Supply and of Land-Use Planning. She is currently Chair of the Trustee Board of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and was recently Deputy Chair of the Government’s New Towns Taskforce.

In Higher Education, she was Chair of the Board of Governors at Anglia Ruskin University and a member of Council at the University of Oxford, where she chaired the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. She was made a CBE in 2005 for services to social housing and a Dame in 2014 for services to the economy.

Kate joins the University during what has been a successful year. University of Staffordshire has recorded its best-ever results in both The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027, climbing 36 places to 51st, and the Guardian University Guide, rising to 34th. It has also been named Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2027 and University of the Year at the Academic Employability Awards. It ranked 7th in the UK for overall positivity in the National Student Survey and 6th in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.

As Chair-Elect, Kate will play a key role in appointing the University’s next permanent Vice-Chancellor, which is now underway.

She said: “I grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and owe a great deal to the education I received here, so the chance to give something back to the city and the wider region means a lot to me.

“Universities change lives, and I have seen first hand what they can do for students and for the places they serve. University of Staffordshire has had a remarkable year and there is real momentum behind it.

“I'm looking forward to working with the Board, with staff and students, and with the next Vice-Chancellor to build on that success. I'm also grateful to Jonathan Chapman for the work he has done as Interim Chair and for his support as I take on the role.”

Jonathan Chapman, Interim Chair of the Board of Governors, said: “Dame Kate brings an outstanding record in economics, public policy and university governance, together with a genuine connection to Stoke-on-Trent. That combination makes her an exceptional choice.

“There is much to be proud of at the University, and plenty still to do. I’m delighted to be handing over to Kate and look forward to seeing her work with colleagues to build on that progress.”

Professor Philip Plowden, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “Dame Kate’s experience at the highest levels of economic and public life will be a tremendous asset to the University.

“We have had a phenomenal year, and her appointment is a further sign of the ambition and confidence behind everything we are building here.

“I'd also like to thank Jonathan Chapman for his leadership as Interim Chair. He has guided the Board with great care and commitment during an important period for the University.”