University Council and Committee members

Professor Bob Cryan CBE DL CMgr CCMI FREng, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Professor Bob Cryan CBE became the UK’s youngest Professor of Engineering at 30 and the youngest Vice-Chancellor when he joined the University of Huddersfield in 2007. A proud Huddersfield graduate, he holds two first-class honours degrees (Engineering and Mathematics), an MBA, and two doctorates (PhD and DSc). Bob’s academic leadership spans several universities, including senior roles at Manchester Metropolitan, Northumbria, and Swansea. He has published over 200 research papers and believes strongly in research-led teaching.

His achievements include being named a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, receiving a CBE in 2014, and being elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2015. He served as President of the IET in 2022–23.

Under his leadership, the University of Huddersfield has grown to over 22,000 students from 120+ countries and earned major accolades, including TEF Gold (2023), Ofsted Outstanding (2022), and multiple Queen’s Awards and Anniversary Prizes.

Bob is passionate about transforming lives through education and is driving the University’s strategy around research, postgraduate growth, and global engagement.

Mr Bernard Ainsworth OBE

A leading figure in the construction industry, Bernard Ainsworth is regarded as the 'ultimate' project manager and has been responsible for leading teams in the construction of many famous buildings, including the iconic London Shard and the Millennium Dome, and it was for this latter project that he was awarded his OBE. He then held a number of non-executive director and advisory roles on a series of national projects including HS2, Hinckley Point Nuclear station and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.  Bernard Ainsworth was appointed to the University’s Estates and Finance Committee in August 2017 and became a member of University Council with effect from August 2019.

Mr Robert Cox

Robert Cox is a retired Chartered Accountant and former Finance Director of AQA Education. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has held a number of Finance Director roles across a range of industries. He was appointed to University Council with effect from August 2018 and has been a member of the Audit and Committee since March 2013, and was made Chair of the Committee in February 2021.  Robert Cox also serves on the Governance and Membership Committee and the Remuneration Committees. 

Mr Rhys Davies

Rhys Davies has extensive non-executive director experience across a number of different business sectors – education at all levels, from primary school (Bradford Grammar and Moorfield Schools) to university (University of Huddersfield); health, from NHS (Airedale NHS Foundation Trust) to third sector (Sovereign Health Care); technology, as Chair of Advisory Board at Immersify Education; and textiles and wool, as former non-executive director of British Wool.

He is also a founder member of the Ilkley Clean River Group (member until 2023). He is a Freeman of the City of London.

Rhys was appointed to University Council in February 2019 and is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. He is the Chair of the Senior Post Holder Remuneration Committee and Senior Staff Remuneration Advisory Committee. Rhys was appointed as Vice-Chair of University Council in July 2025.

Bishop Smitha Prasadam

Smitha Prasadam was appointed as Bishop of Huddersfield in March 2023 having relocated from Copenhagen where had served in the Anglican Church since 2018.

Born into the Church of South India, Smitha and her family then moved to the Anglican Church in Wales. Both her parents were pioneer mission partners with the Church Missionary Society, and her mother was the first Indian woman ordained in the UK. 

She has served as Bishop's Racial Justice Adviser, Vocations Adviser and Chair of the House of Clergy in the Diocese in Europe, and as a member of the General Synod, St John's College Council Durham, and FGPSC.  She is Chair of the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN) and Vice-Chair of the Liturgical Commission.

Bishop Smitha was appointed to the University Council in March 2024 and serves on the Governance and Membership Committee.

Mr Ajaz Ahmed BEM

Ajaz Ahmed is an entrepreneur best known for founding Freeserve, the UK's first big internet company, which was launched in 1998 in Leeds. Freeserve entered the FTSE 100 in 2000 and was acquired by France Telecom for £1.65bn in 2001.

Ajaz Ahmed was Chair of the digital agency, Quba, for 23 years until its sale in July 2025. He was listed in the Yorkshire Business Power 100 and Internet Magazine's top 50 movers and shakers.

The Queen awarded him a 'British Empire Medal' (BEM) in her 2017 Birthday Honours List.

Ajaz was appointed to the University Council in August 2021 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee.

Mrs Clare Morrow

Clare Morrow is the Chair of the Board at the Bettys and Taylors Group in Harrogate, which makes Yorkshire Tea, Taylors of Harrogate tea and coffee, and has five iconic café tea rooms across Yorkshire.

Clare had a 25-year executive career as a journalist, executive producer and senior manager, working in newspapers, radio and television for both the BBC and ITV. She then spent almost twenty years in a variety of non-executive and Trustee roles across a wide range of organisations.

Previous non-executive roles include Chair of Hollybank Trust, Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire, a Director of the Rugby Football League, Chair of the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive and a Director of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. She was also a Trustee at both the Leeds Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres.

Clare was appointed to the University Council in August 2022 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee and the Honorary Awards Committee.

Ms Sally Baines

Sally Baines is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and worked in human resources and organisational development roles within the NHS for over 30 years. Sally Baines is an accredited Senior Practitioner with the European Coaching and Mentoring Council and provides executive coaching for senior leaders in the NHS and also works independently to provide a range of transformation, human resource and leadership development interventions primarily in the NHS. 

She was previously the Chair and Trustee of Mental Health Matters, a national mental health charity providing a range of psychological and social support services to those with mental health conditions.

Sally Baines was appointed to the University Council in August 2023 and serves on the Audit and Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committees.

Professor Mark Radford CBE PhD RN

Professor Mark Radford is Senior Adviser to the Provost at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Dubai Health, where he supports the development of the Academic Health System, workforce strategy, education, research and clinical transformation. He was formerly National Director for the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan Delivery, Director of Education and Training and Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England, and previously Chief Nurse of Health Education England.

At Dubai Health and MBRU, Mark works across the health system to strengthen the integration of education, research and clinical practice, supporting workforce development, academic partnerships, leadership, innovation and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.

He is a Professor of Nursing at Birmingham City University and Coventry University, with research covering emergency care models, advanced practice, staffing, risk modelling, clinical decision-making, expertise and sociological issues in healthcare.

Mark Radford was honoured with a CBE in The Queen’s New Year Honours 2022 list.

Mark was appointed to the University Council in July 2025 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee.

Professor Sara Eastburn

Professor Sara Eastburn 

Sara Eastburn is the Head of Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise in the School of Human and Health Sciences. She joined the University of Huddersfield in November 2006 and her former roles at the University have included School Director of Academic Quality and Professional Governance. 

She is a physiotherapist and a Chartered Manager (FCMI). Between 2015 and 2023, she held a Fitness to Practise partner role with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and she is an Appointed Governor on behalf of the University on the Council of Governors at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Eastburn is also a co-opted Governor and Vice Chair of Governors at Rowley Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School and Newsome Junior School, both in Huddersfield. 

Sara Eastburn was nominated by Senate to join the University Council in November 2024.  She also serves on the Governance and Nominations Committee and the Honorary Awards Committee.

 

Dobby (Dhiya) Rani Dey

Dobby (Dhiya) Rani Dey is President of Huddersfield Students' Union and a member of the University Council. A Journalism graduate from Bradford, her academic work focused on human rights and activism, reflecting her longstanding commitment to social justice and representation.

Prior to her election as President, Dobby served as the Students' Union Equity Officer and was President of the University Pole Fitness Society. Through these roles, she developed extensive experience in student leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.

As President, Dobby acts as the principal representative of the University's students, ensuring their perspectives are reflected in institutional decision-making. She also serves as a Trustee and Director of Huddersfield Students' Union, contributing to the organisation's governance, strategic direction, and commitment to enhancing the student experience.

Dobby is passionate about equity, inclusion, integrity and empowering students to create meaningful change within their communities and beyond.

Dobby joined the University Council in July 2026 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee, Governance and Membership Committee and Honorary Awards Committee.

Mr Jayson Munene

Jayson Munene brings a proven background in corporate research across diverse global markets. He worked as the Lead Markets and Consumer Research Consultant at ORHR Consulting Limited for close to a decade, spearheading comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research initiatives and driving operational improvements for SMEs across the United States, the United Kingdom, and various African nations.

He holds an MBA in Operations Management and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Huddersfield, where his research explores the impact of eco-innovation dimensions on SMEs' sustainable performance by evaluating economic, social, and environmental trade-offs.

He has also held diverse leadership and student engagement roles focused on risk management, safeguarding, and driving university recruitment initiatives with organisations like Deloitte and Anglo Limited.

Jayson was appointed to the University Council in August 2026.

Ms Alison Jones

Alison Jones joined the University in January 2020 having worked in professional higher education administration, leadership and management for over 25 years. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, she has executive accountability for governance, legal and regulatory compliance and health and safety service provision.

Reporting to the Chair of Council, she is the independent source of advice and guidance to University Council and ensures the effective, efficient and compliant management of University Council and Committee decision making.

Mr Paul Leigh

Paul Leigh is a Chartered Accountant and has significant financial leadership experience in the Education sector, including Chief Financial Officer roles in multi-academy trusts. He qualified in public practice and is passionate about how the role of finance can support leaders in delivering high-quality education.

Paul was appointed to the University Council in August 2026 and was appointed as a co-opted member of the Audit and Risk Committee in August 2022.

Matt Mills has been the Director of Student Services at the University of Huddersfield since 2017, overseeing Disability and Wellbeing Support, Careers and Employability, Sport and Faith provision. Matt has a wealth of experience in education, leadership and management, having served as the Chief Executive of the Huddersfield Students’ Union from 2008 to 2017. Matt was nominated by Senate to join the University Council in October 2025. He also serves on the Honorary Awards Committee.

Previously he has led a local Citizens Advice Bureau, been a business controller for IKEA, a paid political organiser, Service Manager at Nottingham University Students’ Union, and a Regional Officer for the National Union of Students. He is a Governor and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at Barnsley College. From 2014 to 2023 he served as Governor of King James School Almondbury, and as Chair of Governors from 2016.

Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL

Sir Roger Marsh, former Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) until 2022, led significant transformations and secured over £2bn in investments for the region. Recognised with an OBE in 2015 and a knighthood in 2021, he also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire.

Roger chaired the NP11, uniting 11 Northern LEPs to support the Government’s vision for the North. With nearly 40 years at PwC, 25 years as a Partner, including a role as Director-General Strategic Finance and Operations in the Cabinet Office, he has vast experience in business recovery, turnaround, and managing sensitive projects across various sectors.

Sir Roger was appointed to the University Council in October 2025 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee.

Mr Mark Fisher CBE Hon D Univ FRSA

Mark Fisher recently retired as Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, responsible for the NHS across Greater Manchester.

Mark joined the Civil Service as a fast stream trainee in 1983.

He has worked as HR Director of the (then) Department for Social Security, and as a Board Director of Jobcentre Plus.

He has been Chief Executive of the Sector Skills Development Agency and Labour Market Director in the Department for Work and Pensions. From 2014 to 2017, he was Director of the Office for Civil Society and Innovation at the Cabinet Office, supporting charities and the voluntary sector, and then (until June 2022) a Cabinet Office Director-General and Secretary to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

Mark was also Chair of the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC). In January 2010, he received a CBE. He was first appointed to the University Council in March 2006 and was Chair of the Estates and Finance Committee from August 2018 for six years.

Mark was appointed as Chair of Council with effect from August 2026. Mark also Chairs the Governance and Membership Committee and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee, Remuneration Committees and the Honorary Awards Committee.

Ms Yvonne Stocks DL

Yvonne Stocks has dedicated a 25-year career to supporting vulnerable individuals. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a 1st Class BSc (Hons) degree in Midwifery Studies.

As a social entrepreneur, in March 2007, Yvonne founded Palm Cove Society CIC to provide safe, supportive environments for survivors of domestic abuse, honour-based violence, inequality and unmet health needs. She utilised health and social care expertise to drive forward the successful enterprise.

In 2015, acknowledged as a specialist in survivor care and trauma-informed support, Yvonne was seconded by the Home Office as Special Advisor to the first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

She received a High Sheriff’s Award in 2017 and a Metropolitan Police Commendation in 2018. Yvonne was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2023 and, in July 2026, she received an Outstanding Contribution Award from the University of Bradford.

Yvonne continues to champion those facing disadvantage, driven by a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to receive further education to thrive.

Yvonne was appointed to the University Council in August 2026 and serves on the Governance and Membership Committee.

Mrs Gwen Sharp

Gwen is a Partner at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, based in Huddersfield, and a highly experienced commercial property solicitor with more than 24 years’ post-qualification experience. Gwen has significant experience of working with universities and public bodies, with a focus on strategic estate matters, acquisitions, disposals and development projects.

Alongside her legal practice, Gwen has held various leadership and committee roles. She founded and chaired the female network group whilst at her previous law firm and she acted as an external adviser to the University’s Business School Athena Swan Committee. Gwen is involved with a number of local community organisations including formerly chairing Holmfirth Junior, Infant and Nursery School’s PTA for several years and currently being a trustee of The HP Dugdale Foundation and a committee member at Hepworth Hurricanes Netball Club.

Gwen was appointed to University Council in August 2026 and serves on the Estates and Finance Committee.