Edge Hill University has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Dr Jo Wright as its new Chief Governance Officer (CGO). The announcement marks a significant addition to the university's executive ranks, bringing decades of specialised experience to the role.
A Wealth of Higher Education Experience
Dr Wright arrives at Edge Hill with a substantial career spanning more than two decades in university administration and governance. Her professional background is notably diverse, having worked within a variety of institutions, including private sector providers. This breadth of experience is expected to be invaluable in her new position.
Immediately prior to this appointment, she served as the University Secretary at the University of Kent. Her previous senior roles include Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester and Academic Registrar at the University of Wolverhampton, equipping her with a deep, operational understanding of the higher education sector.
Scope of the Pivotal Executive Role
As CGO, Dr Wright will sit on the university executive team, acting as the senior professional lead for governance and strategic assurance. The role carries executive accountability for a wide and critical portfolio. Her responsibilities will encompass:
- Governance systems and legal compliance
- Risk management and business continuity
- Safeguarding, health and safety, and Prevent duty
- Registry and student administration
- Strategic assurance
The scope of this remit is anticipated to evolve as Edge Hill progresses with implementing its new Strategic Plan for 2026-2031.
A Vision for Enabling Success
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new challenge, Dr Wright highlighted the dynamic timing of her appointment. She noted it is "a really exciting time to be joining the Edge Hill community," coinciding with the tenure of a new vice-chancellor and the development of a fresh institutional strategy.
"Everyone working in higher education is transforming student lives for the better," Dr Wright stated. "My approach will be to ensure governance and administration enables colleagues at Edge Hill to continue this positive impact through clear information and effective systems."
She concluded by praising the university's distinctive character, describing Edge Hill as "clearly a very special place, important to its students, staff and region," and expressed her delight at joining what she called a "fantastic team."
