Register of Interests for the Board of Governors
Last updated: 1 October 2026.
Mr Ian Squires BA (Hons)
Ian is an independent governor and Chair of the Board of Governors. Ian is also the Chair of the Nominations Committee and a member of the Finance and Performance Committee, the People and Culture Committee, and the Remuneration Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Chair of the Board of Governors (remunerated)
Chair of the Nominations Committee
Remunerated employment
Freelance broadcast and media consultant
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
All shareholdings and financial interests are held through a general investment account, over which Mr Squires, nor his wife, have no direct influence. That function is carried out by a financial advisor.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former board member, Birmingham City University (formerly the University of Central England) (2005-2009)
Former council member, University of Birmingham (2008-2009)
Any other interests
None declared
Ms Tamera Campbell BA PGDip MBA
Tamera is an independent governor and a member of the People and Culture Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Chief People Officer, Gong cha Global
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Gong cha Global <1%
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Phil Clarke BA (Hons)
Phil is a co-opted member of the Finance and Performance Committee.
Role category
Co-opted member
Remunerated employment
Non-executive Director, Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
Non-executive Director, Institute of Physics Publishing
Directorships/trusteeships
Copthorne School Trust Limited 01239211 (since 2025)
Caterham School 05410420 (since 2024)
Riverford Employee Ownership Trustee Limited 10902334 (since 2023)
Institute of Physics Publishing 00467514 (since 2022)
Waters Reach (Staverton) Ltd. 06395335 (since 2011)
Woodslea Ltd. 07112709 (since 2009)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Any shares held are part of tracker funds and not selected by Mr Clarke.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Mrs Alison Court BA MBA
Alison is an independent governor and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, and the Nominations Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Director of Organisational Effectiveness, Christian Aid
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Professor Fiona Cownie FAcSS FRSA PFHEA
Fiona is a co-opted member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Role category
Co-opted member
Remunerated employment
None declared
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Associate, Womenspace (since 2021)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Various shares are held in a portfolio managed on Professor Cownie’s behalf by an investment company.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London University (unremunerated)
Professor Emerita, Keele University
Previously employed at Keele University, the University of Leicester, and the University of Hull
Alumna of the University of Leicester, the London School of Economics, and the University of Bristol
Formerly an external examiner at a number of institutions: Birkbeck, University of London (2019-2022),University College Dublin (2014-2018), Nottingham Trent University (2006-2008), Durham (2004-2008), SOAS (2004-2008), London School of Economics and Political Science (2001-2004), Westminster (1998-2002)
Undertook consultancy work for Sheffield Hallam University (June – July 2018) and Birkbeck, University of London (2024-2025, unremunerated)
Any other interests
None declared
Ms Shreena Dasani
Shreena is a governor apprentice.
Role category
Governor apprentice
Remunerated employment
Senior Trader and Portfolio Manager, Neuberger Berman
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Stuart Dawkins BA MSc MBA
Stuart is an independent governor and a member of the Finance and Performance Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
None declared
Directorships/trusteeships
Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Community Foundation 1135322 (since 2012)
East Midlands Chamber 01785710 (since 2013)
EMB Group Ltd 07087597 (since 2010)
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce 00151396 (since 2005)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Club Secretary and Committee Member, Welland Valley Cycling Club (since 2013)
Family interests
Family member: Holovis International Ltd
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former governor and Chair of Governors, Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I Sixth Form College (2011-2022)
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Justin Dobson BSc PGCLTHE PGDip MSc RN
Justin is the elected Academic Staff Governor and a member of the Board of Governors.
Role category
Staff governor (academic)
Remunerated employment
Senior Lecturer, DMU
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Currently an External Examiner at the University of Salford (until August 2027)
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Phil Grierson
Phil is the elected professional services staff representative to the Board of Governors, and a member of the Nominations Committee.
Role category
Staff governor (professional services)
Remunerated employment
Placement Manager, DMU
Directorships/trusteeships
Samaritans of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland 1170691 (since November 2024)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Chair, Regional Higher Education Committee, UNISON (since 2023)
Branch Secretary, UNISON (DMU branch) (since 2018)
Continuous development training volunteer; interview team leader, Samaritans (since 2017)
Family interests
Partner is an employee at DMU
Share options/holdings
Family member with shareholdings in Monzo and 10x Banking (<1% of each)
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former Co-Chair, UNISON Regional Higher Education Committee (2019-2023)
Former volunteer work with University of Leicester Students’ Union (Nightline Leicester)
Alumnus of the University of Leicester (undergraduate and postgraduate)
Any other interests
None declared
Miss Dilpreet Kaur
Dilpreet is one of the board’s student governors and a member of the Nominations Committee.
Role category
Student governor
Remunerated employment
Student Voice Leader, Inclusion and Wellbeing, De Montfort Students’ Union
Directorships/trusteeships
De Montfort Students’ Union 06634464 (since 2025)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Jonathan Kerry BD MA
Jonathan is an independent governor and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Jonathan also serves as the board’s Senior Independent Governor.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Chief Executive, Diocesan Secretary, Diocese of Leicester
Directorships/trusteeships
Skills and Education Group 02640936 (since 2025)
Prostaid 05953090 (since 2025)
United Society for Christian Literature 226512 (since 2020)
Launde Abbey Trust 1140918/07469311 (since 2014)
Leicester Cathedral Charitable Trust 1152990 (since 2013)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former governor (2013-2023) and Chair of Governors (2017-2023) at Leicester College
Board member of Cliff College Calver (2005-2008)
Chaplain at the College of St Mark and St John, Plymouth (1988-1993) and at the University of Sheffield (1994-2001)
Research Fellow at Queens’ College, Birmingham (1993-1994)
Director of the Rise Academy Trust from 2019–2022
Served as a Primary School Governor in Plymouth from 1989-1993 and in London from 2009-2011
Alumnus of the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, the Open University, and the University of Warwick
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Jonathan Mills CB MA MPhil
Jonathan is an independent governor and a member of the Finance and Performance Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Director General for Energy Markets and Supply, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Mr Mills holds small investments in a number of funds which in turn invest in stocks and shares. Mr Mills does not have any control over where those investments are placed.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Mrs Catherine Njoroge BComm CPA
Catherine is an independent governor and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Internal Audit Director, People’s Partnership
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Direct Line Group Plc <1%
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Professor Katie Normington BA MA PhD
Katie is the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, and an ex-officio member of the Board of Governors. Katie is an ex-officio member of the Finance and Performance Committee, the Nominations Committee, the People and Culture Committee, and is the Chair of the University Leadership Board and the Academic Board.
Role category
Ex-officio governor
Chair of the University Leadership Board
Chair of the Academic Board
Remunerated employment
Vice-Chancellor, DMU
Directorships/trusteeships
University Alliance 08137679 (since 2026)
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service 02839815/1024741 (since 2025)
Shama Women’s Centre 02514040 (since 2022)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Professor Normington holds investments in funds managed by Vanguard, Jupiter and USS pension. Professor Normington does not control where those investments are placed.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Royal Holloway, University of London (various roles between 1997 and 2020, including: Lecturer; Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre; Dean of Arts and Social Sciences/Vice-Principal; and Deputy Principal).
Any other interests
None declared
Ms Sardip Sandhu BSc (Hons) PgCert MPH
Sardip is an independent governor and a member of the Nominations Committee and the People and Culture Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
Research Fellow, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Magistrate (since 2026)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former member and Vice-Chair of the Corporation Board, Vision West Nottinghamshire Further Education College (2019-2023)
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Aftab Sayed
Aftab is one of the board’s student governors.
Role category
Student governor
Remunerated employment
Student Voice Leader, Communities, De Montfort Students’ Union
Camera operator, Leicestershire County Cricket (occasional)
Steward, EP Team (occasional)
Directorships/trusteeships
De Montfort Students’ Union 06634464 (since 2026)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Ms Bev Shears PgDip MA FRSA Chartered CCIPD FIoD
Bev is an independent governor, Chair of the People and Culture Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Chair of the People and Culture Committee
Remunerated employment
None declared
Directorships/trusteeships
De Montfort Students’ Union (since 2021)
Blue Amaranth Consulting Ltd 08376747 (since 2013)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Non-executive Director, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (since 2018, remunerated)
Associate Hospital Manager, Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (since 2017, remunerated)
Member, RSA (since 2009)
Member, Institute of Directors (since 2001)
Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (since 1986)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Ms Shikha Singh BA MSc
Shikha is an independent governor, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, and a member of the Finance and Performance Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
EVP Banking and Financial Services, WNS (Capgemini)
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
None declared
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
GATHR LTD <1%
Long term incentive holdings at Capgemini (<1%)
All other holdings via an investment account managed via a Financial Advisor
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Shikha conducts alumni interviews for prospective Georgetown University students
Any other interests
None declared
Mr Peter Tansley BA (Hons) CGMA FCMA CMIIA
Peter is an independent governor and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Chair of the Audit Committee
Remunerated employment
Director of Audit and Assurance, BBC
Directorships/trusteeships
None declared
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Qualified Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (since 2000)
Qualified Member, Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (since 2004)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
None declared
Any other interests
None declared
Professor Rama Thirunamachandran OBE DL
Rama is an independent governor and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Remunerated employment
None declared
Directorships/trusteeships
CVCP Properties plc (since 2026)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Deputy Lieutenant, Kent Lieutenancy (since 2020)
Ambassador, Kent Ambassadors (since 2017)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
None declared
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Former Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Canterbury Christ Church University (2013-2026)
Previous roles at Keele University, University of Bristol, King’s College London, and Royal Holloway, University of London
Any other interests
Former non-executive Director, Medway NHS Foundation Trust (2020-2024)
Former Chair, MillionPlus (2020-2022)
Former board member, Universities UK (2017-2026)
Former Chair, HEA (2015-2018)
Former board member, UCAS (2010-2013)
Former Director for Research, Innovation and Skills, HEFCE (2002-2008)
Mr Paul Woodgates BA (Hons) ACA
Paul is an independent governor and Deputy Chair of the Board, and Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee.
Role category
Independent governor
Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee
Remunerated employment
Periodic contract work as a consultant via Paul Woodgates Limited
Directorships/trusteeships
Governor, St Chad’s College 1142958 (since 2026)
Paul Woodgates Limited 15425376 (since 2024)
British Council RC000060 (since 2023)
Advance HE 04931031 (since 2021)
Other positions of interest, influence or decision making
Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (since 1992)
Family interests
None declared
Share options/holdings
Paul Woodgates Limited 50% (spouse holds remaining 50%)
Mr Woodgates and his spouse own stakes in funds which in turn make investments in shares. The funds are managed by a professional financial adviser and Mr Woodgates and his spouse have no control over where individual investments are made. The investments represent very small proportions of the overall capital of those businesses.
Current or former interests/connections with other educational establishments
Retired former Head of Education Sector Consulting at PA Consulting. Clients included a large number of educational establishments over 20 years.
Mr Woodgates undertakes occasional strategic advisory consultancy work as an independent contractor.
Former non-executive director of ESFA between 2002-2025.
Any other interests
None declared