Vice-Chancellor's Group

Our people

The Vice-Chancellor's Group, along with the Board of Governors, lead the University and are responsible for ensuring we fulfil our mission and values. As a leadership team they have clear responsibilities to drive improvement and growth around our key objectives of student recruitment and experience, financial stability and continued focus on our people.

Graham Baldwin standing up smiling
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Graham Baldwin

The Vice-Chancellor is the principal academic and administrative officer of the University and is responsible to the Chairman of the Governors.

As Vice-Chancellor, Graham is responsible for the leadership and management of the University within the principles laid down by the Board of Governors, of which he is an ex-officio member. Graham is supported by the Vice-Chancellor's Group, which includes the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Officers and the Pro Vice-Chancellors.

George Charles smiling
Chief Finance Officer
George Charles, ACMA, CGMA

George joined the University in February 2018 as Interim Deputy Finance Director (FP&A) and was recruited as Chief Finance Officer in December 2019. He is responsible for strategic leadership over the University’s financial management ensuring its financial sustainability.

Ruth Connor smiling
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations)
Ruth Connor

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations) is a key role in the University’s Senior Leadership, supporting the Vice-Chancellor in the leadership, management and effective operation of the University. 

Ruth’s portfolio responsibilities cover a range of professional services, and she has led the development of the new University Strategic Plan to enhance both the academic and business-related performance across the institution. Ruth is Vice-President International and Academic Registrar.

Photo of Cathy Jackson
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Leadership)
Professor Cathy Jackson MD FHEA

Professor Cathy Jackson was appointed as Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Leadership (interim) in September 2023. Prior to this she had been Executive Dean of the Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences and was the Founding Head of the Medical School joining UCLan in 2014 to set up the medical school at that time and led the team through to full accreditation of the program by the General Medical Council.

StJohn Crean smiling
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
Professor StJohn Crean

Professor Crean was appointed as Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise in December 2019, having been Pro Vice-Chancellor for Clinical, Health and Research since July 2017. He previously served the University in a number of senior academic roles including Executive Dean of the Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Director of Dental Research and Knowledge Transfer, and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education.

Ian Fisher stood up smiling
University Secretary and General Counsel
Ian Fisher

Ian joined the University in September 2014. Prior to his appointment Ian was the County Secretary and Solicitor at Lancashire County Council. In addition to being the Chief Legal and Governance Adviser to the County Council Ian also played a major role in creating and supporting a wide range of partnerships and joint ventures including a number of limited companies such as the Lancashire Economic Partnership, Lancashire County Enterprise Limited and Marketing Lancashire.

Andrew Ireland smiling
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Teaching)
Professor Andrew Ireland

Professor Andrew Ireland is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Teaching), providing strategic leadership across the organisation in the areas of student experience, teaching excellence, curriculum design, student support services and academic quality assurance.

Ken Lee smiling
Chief People Officer
Ken Lee

Ken joined the University in August 2016. He is responsible for ensuring that the University offers a professional, flexible and innovative Human Resources function with responsibility for staff recruitment, administration, engagement and development.