Paul Woodgates BA (Hons) ACA

Paul Woodgates was appointed an Independent Governor in January 2022 and was made Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee in July 2022.

Paul brings many years of experience in strategy, operations and change in universities which continue to be his core area of focus and interest. He was previously responsible for building and running the education consulting practice of PA Consulting internationally. He has worked with more than 30 universities in the UK as well as many others overseas. His experience is in delivering major programmes to define strategy, improve academic outcomes for students and research, deliver better support services, and enhance efficiency. He has also worked extensively with government departments, regulators and funding bodies in the higher education sector in the UK and elsewhere.

Paul graduated from Durham University with a BA (Hons) in Economics and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Across his career, he has worked as an auditor, consultant, programme leader and change manager in a range of organisations particularly in the public sector.

He now works as a non-executive director in the education sector, is a writer and speaker on change in universities and works as an independent strategic advisor.