UCAS is delighted to announce the appointment of Edward Astle as the new independent chair of its Board of Trustees. He joins the Board following an international corporate career, which included divisional CEO roles across three FTSE 100 companies. He spent five years as Pro-Rector for Enterprise at Imperial College London, and has held a portfolio of non-executive roles spanning the education, health and charity sectors, including six years as Chair of the University of Manchester. He is currently a non-executive director of Openreach and chair of the social mobility charity upReach.
Following a competitive process, Edward will be taking up the position on 11 August ahead of Level 3 Results Day. He replaces interim Chair Professor Edward Peck CBE, former Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, who was recently appointed Chair of the Office for Students.
UCAS is also pleased to welcome three additional new Trustees to the Board: Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University; Matt Tee, founding Chief Executive of IPSO and former Permanent Secretary for Government Communication; and security professional, Jo Miller.
UCAS extends its thanks to Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, incoming UUK President; as well as to Simon Bates, former partner at PA Consulting, and Caroline Hoddinott CBE, education consultant and former headteacher of Haybridge High School and Sixth Form, who have stepped down from the Board.
Speaking about his appointment, Edward Astle said:
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair at such a pivotal moment for the higher education sector. Throughout my career in business, education and the charity sector, I’ve seen the life- changing impact of opportunity, and I’m passionate about widening access and raising aspirations.
“I look forward to working with the UCAS Board of Trustees, Jo and the Executive team, to deliver on the organisation’s new strategy, ensuring that everyone who can benefit from higher education has the opportunity to do so.”
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS Chief Executive, said:
"Edward’s unwavering commitment to social mobility and championing opportunities for young people, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, meant he was a natural fit for UCAS as we implement our new strategy, seeking to play our part in breaking down barriers to higher education.
“Edward, along with our other new trustees Katie, Matt and Jo, each bring a wealth of experience, insight and rigour which will be invaluable in guiding UCAS through its next chapter.
“I’d also like to express my gratitude to our departing trustees, especially Professor Edward Peck for leading the Board during his time as interim Chair, and I wish him the best in his new role with the Office for Students.”