The University Council is the principal decision-making body in the University. The composition of the University Council is as follows:

External Members

Mr Jonathan Thornton

Chair of Council

Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton

Vice Chair of Council

Mr Bernard Ainsworth OBE

External Member

Mr Robert Cox

External Member

Mr Rhys Davies FRSA

External Member

Mr Mark Fisher CBE FRSA

External Member

Professor Isobel Pollock-Hulf OBE

External Member

Mr Ajaz Ahmed BEM

External Member

Clare Morrow

External Member

Sally Baines

Sally Baines


Vice-Chancellor

Professor Bob Cryan CBE DL

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield


Members Nominated by the Senate (Academic)

Professor Sarah Bastow

Professor Sarah Bastow


Members Nominated by the Senate (General Staff)

Mr Krish Pilicudale

Director of Digital Information and responsible for the University’s Computing and Library Services


Student Member

Mr Taha Khan – SU President

President, Students’ Union

Sally Crosland

Sally Crosland


Committee Members

Mr Rob Kelly

Audit and Risk Committee

Mr Paul Leigh

Audit and Risk Committee


Clerk to the Council

Ms Alison Jones

University Secretary