Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor elected as next Chair of Association of Heads of University Administration

Helen, who will serve a three-year term beginning in April 2026, succeeds the current Chair, Nicola Owen, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) at Lancaster University. Nicola, who was appointed in 2020, will soon move to the University of Birmingham to become its new Registrar, Secretary, and Chief Operating Officer.

The Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA) is the representative body for senior University managers (Registrars, Chief Operating Officers, Heads of Administration, University Secretaries) in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Associate Members in other countries.

During her tenure, Nicola oversaw significant developments in AHUA’s proactive engagement with government, sector bodies, and other associations, bringing a highly collaborative approach to the Association's work. She led the Association’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recently supported the UUK Efficiency and Transformation Taskforce, and has been a keen advocate for the ongoing evolution of university administration.

One of the aspects Nicola is particularly proud of is actively driving the idea to increase the diversity of heads of administration, particularly for minoritised people of colour. She brought forward the reciprocal mentoring idea as a response to the need for the Association to think about its responsibilities, and it has been a theme during her tenure. Nicola has strengthened AHUA’s position as a leading voice for professional services and executive-level administration in the University sector.

Before her appointment as Chair, Helen has served as Honorary Treasurer on the AHUA Board since 2022 and been a board member since 2020. In this role, she has been instrumental in overseeing the association's financial strategy and governance.

Helen said: “I will be honoured to serve as AHUA chair – ensuring that AHUA remains a trusted space where we learn from each other, lead with integrity, and shape a stronger, more inclusive sector for the future.

“Nicola has been a superb chair and advocate for the Association and our members, and I look forward to continuing the work she has undertaken to raise the profile and impact of AHUA across the sector. I would like to thank Nicola for her outstanding stewardship, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing professional services in higher education.”

Executive Director of AHUA, Ben Vulliamy, welcomed the appointment: “I am delighted that AHUA members have elected Helen to become the Association’s Chair.

“Helen will bring continuity to some of the critical projects we are working on as well as the strong partnerships we have been establishing. She is deeply committed to advocating for the professions we serve both to strengthen their membership community but also to ensure we promote the importance of these professions externally.”