Council members

Malcolm Sweeting 
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council

Malcolm Sweeting took up the role of Pro-Chancellor of the Open University from 1 January 2019.  He says, "The Open University is instantly recognised with great affection and great respect for its achievements. Almost everyone I speak to has a story to tell about the OU, and how it has inspired one of their family or friends to achieve their ambitions. As the OU celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is with great pride that I take this wonderful opportunity to assist the OU to continue to change the lives of so many and to make such a profound and deep impact on society."

 Previously Malcolm was Global Senior Partner at Clifford Chance, one of the world’s largest elite law firms with 34 offices in 27 countries. Malcolm also sat on the CityUK Advisory Board, the China Britain Business Council, the Board at Hopes and Homes for Children, and the European Advisory Board of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). Malcolm is currently on the Chatham House’s Britain in a Global World Advisory Board and the Programme Board for CKGSB /Möller Institute Innovation for Impact Project.

As a Pro-Chancellor, Malcolm is the Chair of the OU Council and Governance & Nominations Committee; Deputy Chair of Strategic Planning and Resources Committee; a member of the University's Finance and Remuneration Committees and attends Investment Committee.

Term of office: 01.01.2019 – 31.12.2026 (second term)

Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow DBE CBE 
Vice-Chair of the Council

Julia has had a career in academia with a strong interest in UK higher education and research policy. She studied Physics as an undergraduate but soon moved into biophysics and structural biology undertaking research for a PhD at the Open University Oxford Research Unit. 

After a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University, she moved to Birkbeck, University of London eventually becoming Vice-Master. Her time at the OU and Birkbeck ensures her ongoing commitment to part-time study. In 2002, she was appointed Chief Executive of the BBSRC and in 2007 she moved to the University of Kent as Vice-Chancellor. During this time, she served as a member of the Prime Minster’s council for Science and Technology and was elected the first woman President of Universities UK in 2015.

Since leaving Kent, she has undertaken a number of non-exec positions including chair of Public Health England and President of the Royal Society of Biology. She is currently President of The Biochemical Society and a trustee of HEPI. She received a CBE in 2001 and a DBE in 2010 for service to science.

Term of office: 01.08.2022 – 31.07.2026 (first term)

Robert McCracken
Treasurer

Robert graduated in law from Edinburgh University in 1979, joined Ernst & Young (EY) in 1980 and was a partner in the firm from 1992 until 2018. He became a member of the OU Finance Committee in August 2015. Throughout his career at EY, Robert specialised in auditing and advising banks and other financial services institutions. After 2007, Robert combined a leadership role in the UK firm’s accounting technical department, a global role as co-chairman of the firm’s IFRS Financial Instruments Working Group, and a continuing role as audit partner for various audit clients.

Since retiring from EY, Robert has advised the firm on audit quality and has taken on the role of Audit Committee Chair of a number of portfolio companies owned by a leading Private Equity group. He was the Treasurer and Audit Committee Chair of the Tate Members Council from 2004 to 2014. He brings to the OU significant experience of operating at board level either as an auditor or non-executive director/trustee, combined with a strong interest in education and equality of opportunity. As Treasurer, Robert is Chair of the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Term of Office:  01-08-2019 – 31-07-2027 (second term)

Paul Kett

Paul is Senior Adviser and Global Director Education and Skills at PwC. He was previously Director General for Skills at the Department for Education (DfE) until December 2022, having served in the role since January 2019. Prior to that he was Director General for Education Standards Group at the DfE. He joined DfE in 2016. Before his appointment at DfE, he worked for the British Army as a member of the Army Board in the role of Director Army Reform. Paul spent much of his earlier civil service career with the Ministry of Justice in roles spanning strategy, policy and project delivery, including as Director Justice Reform.

Ceri Doyle

Ceri Doyle has been the Chief Executive of Newport City Homes (NCH) since 2014 and has utilised her extraordinary breadth of experience ranging from health, education, finance and community development to drive service improvements, increased financial stability and a focus on residents within NCH. Prior to NCH, Ceri held a number of executive and senior roles in Non Departmental Public Bodies including as Interim CEO of the Big Lottery Fund – the UK’s largest lottery distributor, and in local government where she delivered a number of pioneering partnerships utilising innovative funding.

Alongside this, Ceri has established a number of not-for-profit organisations and held numerous non-executive positions as a Ministerial Advisor, Commissioner and on the Boards of health, education, skills and employment, criminal justice and arts organisations..

Term of office: 28.08.2020 – 31.07.2028 (second term)

Andrew Dickinson

Andrew Dickinson has enjoyed a successful career with a tremendous breadth of international knowledge in business leadership, operations and Finance and is an experienced Senior Executive and Non-Exec Director, with a proven track record of success achieved working in a FTSE 100 company.

For 28 years, Andrew worked for Rolls Royce Plc, which has seen him work across the world – including Brazil, Germany and Singapore. Most notably Andrew’s role as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Staff for Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace saw him successfully lead the Finance, Commercial, Compliance, Risk and I.T functions globally for the £8bn turnover business with 24,000 employees.

Since 2018, Andrew has held a number of non-executive positions, including Evolution Power Tools and Board Member and Chair of Audit Committee at Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham College.

Term of office: 01.08.2021 – 31.07.2025 (first term)

Vacancy

Further informaton to follow.

Term of office: 01.08.2024 – 31.07.2028 (first term)

Professor Paul Gray

Professor Paul Gray is an experienced public sector leader at CEO level. Paul was Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director General for Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government from 2013 to 2019.

During this time he was responsible for the delivery of health and care services through 22 Health Boards, and partner organisations, with accountability for an annual budget of £13bn and a staffing complement of around 160,000. Paul joined the Civil Service in 1979 and held a number of Director General roles from 2009 until 2019.

Paul is currently an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, and holds a number of other positions in the public and private sectors, including a Senior Faculty Member at the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), a Non-Executive Director with the Care Inspectorate and a lay assistant with the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland. Paul is also a coach and mentor to a number of senior executives.

Paul places a strong emphasis on ethical and compassionate leadership, transparency and collaborative working. Committed to public accountability, he is experienced in leading delivery and change and specialises in public service, ethical leadership and governance.

Term of office: 28.08.2020 – 31.07.2028 (second term)

Nikki Humphrey 

Nikki Humphrey is the Chief People Officer for the Virgin Group, Board Director of Virgin Hotels, and Trustee of Virgin Unite foundation. As Chief People Officer, Nikki leads their People strategy including critical areas such as wellbeing, future of work, talent development, human leadership and inclusion. As a member of the Virgin executive team, she enjoys leading and transforming businesses to perform brilliantly with their customers and ensure their people are at the heart of their strategic priorities.

Prior to this role, Nikki was Chief People Officer at John Lewis Partnership and before this, was Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic for four years. With 15 years executive and board level experience in retail, banking, insurance, asset management, media, manufacturing, and engineering, her passion lies in helping individuals, teams and businesses flourish. She proudly holds a BSc in Psychology & Politics from Aston University and Chartered member of CPID.

Term of office: 07.09.2023 – 31.07.2027 (first term)

Jasbir Mann

Jasbir Mann is a senior leader with extensive experience in public (FTSE / NYSE), private and investor-led businesses in the UK, EMEA and internationally.

Jas has deep functional expertise in strategy, finance, sales and marketing, and business transformation. He is currently Group CFO and responsible for leading growth at the UK’s largest privately held flexible packaging manufacturer.

Jas graduated with a BSc in Physics from The University of Manchester. He joined Unilever’s graduate leadership program and has launched or developed some of the world’s mostly instantly recognisable consumer brands. His sector knowledge extends to Travel (Carnival Plc) and Wine & Spirits (Constellation Brands). Jas has consulted for investment funds and helped PE firms scale and transform portfolio assets, through M&A and organic growth.

Jas is committed to The OU’s vision and principles, believing in the transformative impact of education for a successful life and career. 

He is deeply interested in science and technology, finance, and economics. In particular, the impact of AI on education, business, and society.

Term of office: 01.08.2024 – 31.07.2028 (first term)

Rashik Parmar MBE

Rashik Parmar is a highly accomplished and respected business leader, currently serving as the Group CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. In this role, he focuses on two primary areas: growing the reputation of the BCS as a trusted source of practical insights into the future of computing and ensuring the effective and efficient running of the organization to deliver its strategic outcomes.

Rashik's extensive experience and expertise span various sectors, and he holds several key positions in addition to his role at BCS. He is a Senior Independent Member and NERC Council Member at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and a Fellow at Digit Lab, an organization focused on digital innovation and transformation. Rashik is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees at We are IVE, a charity dedicated to helping young people develop creative skills and improve their prospects in the creative industries. Additionally, he serves as a Research Industry Advisory Board Member at Leeds University Business School, providing valuable insights and guidance on research projects.

Rashik's dedication and expertise have been recognised by numerous organizations, and he has received several awards and accolades throughout his career. Including an MBE for service to Business and Innovation as part of the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours. He is highly respected in the UK's technology and business communities and is known for his strategic thinking and innovative approach.

Beyond his professional roles, Rashik is also the Director of Rangoli Radio, a community radio station that serves the South Asian community in the UK. With his diverse background and experience, Rashik brings a unique perspective to his work and is committed to driving positive change in the technology industry to create a world we all want. Further information to follow.

Term of office: 01.08.2022 – 31.07.2026 (first term)

Tevin Tobun

Tevin Tobun is the CEO of Gate Ventures Group (GV), a company he founded in 2001 that focuses on food transportation within the education, social, healthcare, retail and business and industry sectors. GV Group is one of the UK’s leading independently owned food logistics specialists with a global footprint spanning the UK, South America and Africa, and employing over 500 people. 
 
Tevin is a Patron for the charity Springboard – the biggest independent charity in the hospitality sector that supports people from disadvantaged backgrounds into jobs in the hospitality industry. Tevin also runs The Tobun Foundation. Launched in 2015, the foundation offers four young people from disadvantaged backgrounds yearly funding to support their University studies. The Tobun Foundation also provides bursary support to students on specialist programmes including the United Nations Summer Programme in Geneva.  
 
Additional to this, Tevin frequently speaks at industry events and sits on a number of Boards for a range of organisations.  
 
Tevin and GV Group have been recognised amongst the business community through a significant number of nominations and accolades. In 2019 and 2020, Tevin was listed as one of the top 100 most influential Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Executives in the UK, and is also listed by JP Morgan as one of the top 100 most influential black people in the UK in 2020. 

Term of office: 28.08.2020 – 31.07.2028 (second term)

Professor Josie Fraser, (Interim) Vice-Chancellor