Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Elly Sample is Director of External Relations, leading the University's communications, marketing, student recruitment and reputation-building activities. With more than 30 years of experience across higher education, public affairs, marketing and consultancy, she has held senior leadership positions at a number of leading organisations. Elly is passionate about building strong brands, developing high-performing teams and strengthening engagement with stakeholders, helping to raise the University's profile and support its strategic ambitions.

Dr Sarah Charles is Director of the Institute of Education and Skills, leading a diverse portfolio of teacher education, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. An experienced academic leader and qualified teacher, she is committed to research-informed education and preparing future educators for professional success. Sarah continues to teach and supervise doctoral students while developing partnerships with schools and colleges in the UK and internationally. Her research focuses on inclusion, educational equity and teacher development.

Professor Keith McLay is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chief Executive, providing strategic leadership across the University and supporting its ambitions for growth, student success and academic excellence. Previously Provost – Learning and Teaching, he played a key role in securing a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. An accomplished historian and experienced academic leader, Keith combines executive leadership with a strong commitment to civic engagement, educational innovation and enhancing opportunities for students and communities.

Professor Chris Bussell is Provost – Industry and Enterprise, providing strategic leadership for industry-facing activity, integration of industry within the University's academic and research delivery and external partnerships. He works closely with businesses, employers and regional stakeholders to strengthen skills development. Since joining the University in 2013, Chris has played a significant role in advancing economic engagement and growth. A sport and exercise scientist by background, he is also committed to sustainability and community engagement.

Professor Myra Conway is Provost for Innovation and Research, leading the University's research and innovation agenda and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across academic disciplines. An internationally recognised biomedical scientist, she brings more than two decades of experience in research leadership, with expertise in biochemistry, ageing, neurodegenerative disease and biomarker development. Passionate about developing research culture and talent, Myra is committed to enhancing research excellence, innovation and the student experience through research-informed education.

Professor Neil Fowler is Provost – Learning and Teaching, providing strategic leadership for the University's educational experience, assessment practices and student success initiatives. An accomplished academic and researcher in sport and exercise science, his expertise spans biomechanics, athletic performance and chronic pain management. Alongside his executive responsibilities, Neil has worked with a range of national and international sporting organisations, bringing extensive experience of performance, wellbeing and applied research to his leadership role.

Alexandra Charles is Director of Derby International Business School, leading the Schools academic portfolio, external partnerships and professional engagement activities. With more than 30 years' experience in higher education and senior leadership, her expertise spans strategic management accounting, risk management and global supply chains. Alexandra has played a key role in strengthening the Schools reputation through accreditation, innovation and business engagement, while supporting regional economic growth and developing the next generation of responsible business leaders.

Karen McDonald is Chief People Officer, leading the University's people, culture and organisational development agenda. She is responsible for workforce strategy, leadership development and creating an inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. With more than 25 years' experience in human resources and organisational leadership, Karen has played a key role in delivering people-focused initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and support the University's strategic ambitions and long-term success.

James Fussell is University Secretary and Director of Legal, Governance and Assurance Services, providing leadership for governance, legal affairs and institutional compliance. He supports the effective operation of the University and its governing bodies while ensuring the highest standards of accountability and assurance. Prior to joining the University in 2018, James held senior legal roles in the private sector and practised as a solicitor. His expertise spans governance, risk management, legal strategy and corporate regulation.

Susan Ambler is Chief Financial and Infrastructure Officer, responsible for ensuring the University has the resources, infrastructure and financial resilience required to deliver its strategic ambitions. A chartered accountant with extensive experience in higher education, she leads financial planning, estates, commercial activity and major investment projects. Susan has a strong track record in strengthening financial governance, transparency and organisational performance while securing strategic funding and partnerships that support long-term institutional success.

Dr Sophie Carr is Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, providing strategic and operational leadership across the College's teaching, research, partnerships and academic enterprise activities. A former forensic scientist and experienced academic leader, she has worked across higher education and the criminal justice sector. Sophie's research focuses on the reliability and communication of expert evidence, and she is passionate about enhancing student outcomes, research excellence and industry engagement across the STEM disciplines.

Professor Stephen Wordsworth is Dean of the College of Health and Humanities, providing leadership across a broad portfolio of disciplines spanning health, psychology, social care and the humanities. Originally qualifying as an Operating Department Practitioner, he has built a distinguished career in higher education, professional regulation and healthcare leadership. A recognised researcher and former non-executive director of the Health and Care Professions Council, Stephen's work focuses on patient safety, professional standards, workforce development and healthcare education.

Hannah Hallam is Chief of Staff and serves as a trusted adviser to the Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Board. She provides strategic leadership, supports institutional effectiveness and strengthens engagement with key partners and stakeholders across the University and beyond. With extensive experience in higher education, fundraising, business development and stakeholder relations, Hannah has held a number of senior leadership positions and is passionate about building partnerships, creating opportunities and delivering strategic outcomes.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell is Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, providing strategic leadership for the University's vision, growth and impact. Since joining Derby in 2015, she has led significant institutional development, strengthening the University's reputation for excellence in teaching, research, innovation and civic engagement. A psychologist by background, Kathryn has held senior leadership positions across higher education and remains a strong advocate for social mobility, regional prosperity and the transformative power of education.