Leadership and Management
Professor Monica Grady
As Chancellor Professor Grady is the ceremonial head of the University and plays an important ambassadorial role. She acts as an advocate for the University, helping to raise the University’s profile and advance its interests.
Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences in the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University (OU) in Milton Keynes. Her undergraduate studies were at St Aidan’s College, University of Durham (1976-1979) in the Departments of Chemistry and Geology, followed by postgraduate studies at Darwin College, University of Cambridge (1979 -1983), where she completed her PhD which focussed on carbon in meteorites. Professor Grady worked at the OU until 1991, then moved to the Natural History Museum in London, where she curated the national meteorite collection, until re-joining the OU as Professor in 2005. She also holds a position as a Senior Research Fellow at the Natural History Museum.
Professor Grady has led major research programmes in the study of the origin and evolution of the Solar System through measurement of meteorites. Her particular research interests are in the fields of carbon and nitrogen chemistry. One of her major areas has been the study of the history of carbon and water on Mars. Because of her work, Professor Grady was appointed by the European Space Agency to serve on international boards convened to define standards for the safe handling of samples returned from Mars. In honour of her contributions to the field, the International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 4731 ‘Monicagrady’. In June 2012, she was appointed a Commander in the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to Space Sciences. Professor Grady gave the Royal Institution Christmas lectures in 2003 on the theme ‘Voyage in Space and Time’.
Professor Grady was born in Leeds, Yorkshire in 1958, the eldest of eight children. She is married to Ian Wright, Emeritus Professor of Space Sciences at the Open University. They have one son, Jack, and a grandson, Matthew. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Liverpool Hope in July 2019.
Professor Claire Ozanne
Professor Claire Ozanne joined Liverpool Hope University in March 2023 as the University’s Vice-Chancellor & Rector. She is the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the University and, amongst many other things, is responsible to University Council for the organisation, direction and management of the University and leadership of the staff.
A Professor of Ecology, Claire gained her DPhil from Oxford University. Claire’s work focuses on habitats influenced by human activities and she has led multidisciplinary projects in the UK, Australia, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Guyana.
Claire has widely published in areas including the impact of forest resource use on biodiversity; the effect of seasonality and spatial patterns on canopy insect communities and led the publication of a seminal paper in Science: Biodiversity Meets the Atmosphere.
Professor Ozanne was formerly the Deputy Director and Provost at SOAS University of London; and Vice Provost at the University of Roehampton. In 2017, Claire was seconded for two years to the post of Principal of Heythrop College, University of London.
She is a Principal Fellow of the HEA and has served on The British Academy Strategic Committee for Languages in Higher Education, and has experience as a QAA reviewer.
University Council is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the University. This includes determining our mission and policies as well as ensuring the financial solvency of the institution. All plans for academic work, the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and the Rectorate team, as well as the level of tuition fees, must be agreed by the Council.
For full biographies and council minutes, please visit our University Council page.
The University Senior Executive Team comprises the University's leaders who all report to the Vice-Chancellor & Rector. They form the Vice Chancellors Advisory Group (VCAG).
Vice-Chancellor & Rector
Professor Claire Ozanne
Professor Claire Ozanne is Vice-Chancellor & Rector of Liverpool Hope University. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor is managed by Ms Clare McKinnell.
The Vice-Chancellor & Rector is also the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the University and, amongst many other things, is responsible to University Council for the organisation, direction and management of the University and leadership of the staff.
Chief Operating Officer
Dr Laura Lightfoot
The Chief Operating Officer has responsibility for:
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Estates, Maintenance, Accommodation, Sustainability and Facilities
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Health and Safety, and Fire Safety
- Catering, Conferences and Events
- Finance, Budget and Planning, Procurement and Insurance, Payroll
- Plas Caerdeon Outdoor Education Centre
- Hope Park Sports
- Domestic Services, Campus Services, Gardening
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IT Technical, Network Engineering, Corporate Applications, Desktop/AV, Service Desk and Reprographics
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Dr Penny Haughan
Penny is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Liverpool Hope University. She has strategic responsibility for a range of aspects of the Life of the University. Her portfolio includes student pastoral care, Student Records and Data, Learning Resources and Learning & Teaching. She also has responsibility for the Executive Deans and their Faculties.
Penny works closely with the Academic Schools and has overall responsibility for Quality Assurance & Enhancement. She is responsible for oversight of the University’s interactions with external bodies such as the OfS and compliance with their requirements. She has a particular interest in the Student Experience and is responsibility for the major University events such as graduation.
Penny’s academic background is in Biochemistry and she spent several years as Dean of Sciences and Social Sciences
Penny is part of the Vice Chancellors Advisory Group (VCAG) comprising of all the University leaders who all report directly to the Vice-Chancellor & Rector. She has recently led a University wide initiative to address challenges associated with Women in Leadership.
The term ‘Provost’ which is added to the DVC title reflects her responsibility for the University’s International strategy and that she regularly represents the VC in interactions with international partners.
Penny is also Governor at three external institutions including a local primary school in Warrington, a University in London and an FE College in Merseyside.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Professor Atulya K Nagar
As Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Atulya Nagar holds overall strategic responsibility for Liverpool Hope University’s Research, Scholarship, and Knowledge Exchange (RS&KE) portfolio. In this capacity, he leads on all matters related to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), providing institutional leadership for REF preparation, submission, and research quality enhancement. He also has overarching responsibility for all aspects of postgraduate research (PGR) provision across the University, including strategy, researcher development, supervision, and academic standards.
In his governance role, Professor Nagar chairs the University Senate’s Research and Innovation Committee, shaping research policy and advising on institutional priorities for research and innovation. He works closely with senior leadership, Deans, and Associate Deans for Research to embed a culture of research excellence, external engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the institution.
Professor Nagar is a Professor of Mathematics, with a distinguished academic background spanning nonlinear mathematics, theoretical computer science, and systems engineering. His portfolio reflects a deep commitment to fostering impactful research and meaningful engagement at regional, national, and international levels. His academic profile is available here: https://profiles.hope.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions
Ms Jennifer Wilkinson
The Pro Vice-Chancellor Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions is responsible for the institution’s external engagement, overseeing the following areas:
- Marketing and brand
- Internal and external communications
- Domestic student recruitment and outreach
- International student recruitment and business development
- Admissions and compliance
- Careers and employability
- Alumni engagement
Director of Governance and People Services
Mr Andy Catterall
Overall responsibility for the People Services team and the delivery of the People Strategy. Responsibility for the Governance and Legal Services Team, including performing the role of Company Secretary and Clerk to Council.
The Board of Regents supports the University's Strategic Development agenda. Regents act as advocates for the University, helping to connect the University to people, networks and organisations who recognise and wish to contribute to the mission and values of Hope. View the Terms of Reference document.
John Devine (Chair of Regents)
Monsignor John Devine was born in Liverpool in 1948 and attended St Edward’s College before going to the junior seminary at St Joseph’s Upholland in 1960. He entered the senior seminary at Upholland in 1967 and was ordained in the Metropolitan Cathedral in 1973. After serving in Skelmersdale New Town for eight years he spent nine years in Peru with the Society of St James working in the coastal town of Chimbote before spending five years with the Qechua Indians in the Peruvian Andes. His final three years in South America were spent in Lima as Co-Ordinator of the Missionary Society of St James. On his return in 1990 he was appointed Director of St Joseph’s College, Upholland and a Trustee of the Archdiocese. During his final years at Upholland he served as parish priest at St Aidan’s Huyton.
In 1999 he was appointed Churches’ Officer for the North West to liaise between the mainstream Christian Churches and the newly formed North West regional government bodies. His work focussed on the Churches’ involvement in economic development, regeneration, social inclusion, urban and rural affairs, the environment, sustainability, culture and tourism. Working from a desk at the North West Development Agency in Warrington, John reported to bishops and senior church leaders in the Anglican and Catholic dioceses as well as the Methodists, United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union, the Salvation Army and the Society of Friends. Increasingly involved with members of other world faiths, he founded the Northwest Forum of Faiths in January 2006.
From 2006 -2008 John was chair of the Social Economic and Environmental Partners group and vice chair of the North West Regional Assembly. He served on the board of Voluntary Sector North West, the Executive Board of the North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership, the Committee for Other Faiths of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales and was Co-Chair, with then minister Sadiq Khan, of the Communities and Local Government Faith Communities Consultative Council. He was chair of Faiths4Change, an interfaith environmental and sustainability organisation and chair of the North West Multi-Faith Tourism Association. He served for nine years as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council of Liverpool Hope University and continues as chair of the Board of Regents.
In 2006 Monsignor Devine took on additional responsibility as parish priest at St Benedict’s Warrington. With the abolition of English regions by the UK Coalition Government in 2011, he was given additional responsibility as parish priest of St Mary’s Warrington and in 2013 the parish of St Oswald’s, Padgate also came under his care. In 2015 he was appointed to the Isle of Man as parish priest of St Mary of the Isle and St Anthony of Padua and Area Dean. In 2019 he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Finance with oversight of Archdiocesan Finances. In November 2023 St Mary of the Isle was elevated to co-cathedral status by Pope Francis and John was appointed Dean.
In 1992 he was appointed a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II and awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Years Honours List for services to inter faith relations in the North West.
Jane Beever (Chair of Council)
Jane Beever started her career in education as a modern foreign languages teacher (Italian and French), teaching in a variety of state and church schools throughout England. She has been Head Teacher at Loreto Grammar School since 2006. Through the national teaching schools programme Ishe has supported various schools including a period as executive headteacher of one establishment. She is the Loreto Education Officer for the Loreto English education network. Jane is a member of Blessed James Bell parish in Warrington.
Stephen Burrows
Stephen Burrows DL is one of the most experienced and respected professionals in the North West having spent 40 years working in RBS up until 2001. During his career with RBS, Stephen held a variety of positions, including Senior Vice President and Manager, New York office in 1978 and Executive Vice President, North America in 1982. He later became the local Director in Liverpool, which was followed by an appointment as Regional Corporate Director in the corporate and institutional banking division at that time.
Following retirement from the Bank, Stephen joined Brabners LLP in 2001 as Chairman. He is a past Regional Chairman of Coutts in Merseyside and North Wales and was appointed an Ambassador for Professional Liverpool in 2013, having stepped down as Chairman the previous year.
Stephen is a Deputy Lieutenant in the Merseyside Lieutenancy.
He is involved with various charitable organisations and is a Director and Trustee of Wirral Hospice St John’s and Chairman of the Empowering Youth Foundation.
Stephen is an active member of Caldy Golf Club and enjoys football (Liverpool FC), rugby, opera and theatre.
Rosemary Hawley
Rosemary Hawley MBE, JP was born in New Delhi and educated at Lady Eleanor Holles School in South-West London and King’s College, London, where she read for a degree in English. Following a period of service overseas in Ghana teaching her subject in a teachers’ training college and some community service in South Wales, marriage to Anthony in Wolverhampton then took Rosemary with her husband to Bermondsey. There she worked with the local Community Health Council and served on the Board of Guy’s Hospital.
Her record of nearly a quarter century of service in the NW region included Board membership of Merseyside Regional Health Authority and Liverpool Family Health Service Authority, the chairmanship of North Mersey Community NHS Trust, of Knowsley Primary Care Trust and of Liverpool’s prestigious School of Tropical Medicine, as well as 9 years membership of the Board of Governors at Liverpool John Moores University. She has served as a magistrate and as High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside and remains a trustee of The Reader Organisation. In July 2012, Rosemary received an honorary award of Doctor of Laws at The University of Liverpool.
Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds is an Alumna of Liverpool Hope University (Notre Dame) and, having been Head teacher of three successful schools in East Anglia and Surrey, was appointed to the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton as an Advisor, supporting schools in the development of Religious Education, and Leadership and Management in Catholic Schools.
Subsequently, she was appointed Schools’ Commissioner and Director of Schools in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in 1998. She retired from this position in December 2014. In addition to directing the overall management of the Diocesan Catholic Schools Service she has specific responsibility for the inspection and monitoring of the Catholic nature and leadership of diocesan schools and colleges. This includes advising on the appointment of senior staff, Foundation Governors and the provision of appropriate training and support.
Mary represented the diocese on education forums locally, nationally and internationally and was an executive member of the Catholic Education Service, for more than 10 years. In addition to holding a teaching certificate, CCRS and Bachelor of Arts degree, she holds a Masters Degree in The Management of Change from Sussex University. She is a registered section 48 Inspector, a director of ‘Rainbows’ and a director of a property management company in South Wales.
She is a Trustee of Missio, part of the worldwide network of Pontifical Mission Societies. In 2016 she was appointed a Dame of The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great by The Holy Father, Pope Francis, for services to Catholic Education. She currently has her own education consultancy; Mary Reynolds Consulting.
John H Roberts
His Honour John H Roberts was educated at Caldy Grange Grammar School, West Kirby and Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he gained a BA 1st Class Honours Degree in Law and a Masters Degree.
Between 1969-1971, he lectured in Law at The University of Liverpool and was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 1970. He practised at the Bar on the Northern Circuit between 1970 and 1993.
In 1983 he became an Assistant Recorder and between 1988 -1993 served as a Recorder. In 1993 he was appointed as a Circuit Judge sitting in Manchester. Between 1997- 2001 he was Resident Judge at Bolton Crown Court and between 2002-2013 sat at Liverpool Crown Court until his recent retirement.
His Honour John Roberts lists his recreations as rugby union, golf, cricket and music and is a member of the Athenaeum (Liverpool), Heswall Golf Club and Oxton Cricket Club.