The Board of Governors

Board Role: Chair of the Board, Chair of the Strategic Planning & Performance Committee, Member of the Remuneration Committee

Professional Background

John began his career in Human Resources before progressing into senior leadership roles across the employment, training, and economic development sectors. His executive experience includes positions with the Training and Enterprise Council (South East Wales), the Development Board for Rural Wales, and serving as Chief Executive of ACAS. His work has consistently focused on improving employment practices, organisational development, and workforce capability.  

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience  

John has extensive governance experience across private, public, and not-for-profit organisations. He has served as a Nonexecutive Director on multiple boards and has a strong background in education governance, having spent nine years on the Board of the University of West London, as well as serving on the Boards of the University of Reading and Cardiff and Vale College; He became Chair of Cardiff Metropolitan University in August 2021.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board  

• Employment and HR leadership
• Organisational development
• Education governance
• Economic development  

Motivation / Personal Statement  

John has praised the resilience and innovation shown by Cardiff Met’s staff and students and is committed to supporting the University as it navigates the challenges of a post Covid landscape.  

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours  

• CBE, Queen’s Birthday Honours (2013)  
• Doctorate of Literature, University of West London   
• Chartered Manager and Companion 

Board Role: Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, Chair of the Finance Committee

Professional Background  

Matthew has built a distinguished legal and leadership career, serving as Managing Partner of Hugh James from 1999 to 2011, as Senior Partner from 2018, and as Chief Executive of Hugh James Involegal LLP from 2011 to the present day. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its client base, modernised its operations, and embraced digital transformation. He also established the Hugh James Training Academy, developing strong partnerships with educational institutions across the city to deliver bespoke training and professional development.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience  

Matthew has extensive experience advising organisations and contributing to regional business leadership through his role on the Cardiff Capital Region Business Council Board. His experience in legal practice, organisational leadership, and strategic development positions him as a valuable contributor to Cardiff Met’s governance.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board  

• Legal practice and governance
• Digital transformation
• Business leadership and strategy
• Professional training and development  

Motivation / Personal Statement  

Matthew values consensus building and brings a pragmatic, legally informed perspective to his role as governor.  

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours  

• LLB (Hons), UWIST Cardiff  
• Dreams and Wishes Ambassador and Governance Advisor  
• Vice Custos of Cathedral School Llandaff, Board of Governors

Board Role: Governor, Member of the Strategic Planning & Performance Committee, Member of Finance Committee

Professional Background  

Róisín is a Senior Management Consultant at Accenture with over thirteen years of experience advising senior executives on complex, high‑impact transformation programmes. Her work spans digital strategy, organisational effectiveness, and culture change, with a particular focus on inclusion and diversity. With a background in economics and politics, she brings an analytical and outcome‑driven approach to strategic problem‑solving and value creation. 

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience  

Beyond Cardiff Met, Róisín is a non-executive director at Sport Wales. A committed advocate for women in technology, she regularly speaks at schools, industry events, and conferences to encourage female participation in the digital sector.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board  

• Digital transformation and innovation 
• Inclusion, diversity, and organisational culture 
• Strategic and financial leadership 
• Advocacy for women in technology 

Motivation / Personal Statement  

Róisín is deeply aligned with Cardiff Met’s mission and values. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders and helping shape a sustainable, inclusive, and forward‑thinking future for the University. 

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours  

• BSc Economics & European Politics, University of Birmingham   
• Member of PICTFOR (via DevelopHer) 
• We Are The City Tech Women Top 50 Award Winner (2017) 

Board Role: Governor, Member of Governance and Nominations Committee

Professional Background

Karen is a senior governance and assurance leader with extensive experience across government, financial services, and higher education. She currently serves as Senior Governance and Assurance Manager at the Money and Pensions Service (an arm’s-length body of the Department for Work and Pensions), where she leads governance and assurance arrangements for a complex, high-profile digital transformation programme.

Her career spans strategic governance, programme delivery, economic development, and business transformation. She has established and embedded governance, risk, and delivery assurance frameworks within regulated environments, working closely with executive teams, boards, and external stakeholders to support effective decision-making, accountability, and sustainable outcomes.

Governance Experience

Karen brings significant governance expertise through both senior leadership and non-executive roles. In addition to serving as a primary school governor and local authority representative on business improvement district boards, she has extensive experience advising senior leaders and overseeing governance and assurance across large-scale portfolio and programme environments. Her work has provided deep insight into strategic oversight, delivery effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and partnership working.

Areas of Expertise

• Governance, risk and assurance
• Programme and portfolio management
• Public sector leadership and transformation
• Economic development and strategic partnerships
• Innovation, enterprise and business improvement

Contribution to the Board

Karen contributes extensive experience in civic mission, governance, assurance, and strategic programme delivery within complex and highly regulated organisations. Her background in strengthening governance frameworks, managing risk, and fostering effective community partnerships supports the Board in delivering robust oversight and advancing the University's strategic ambitions.

Personal Statement

Karen is inspired by Cardiff Met’s strong commitment to innovation, enterprise, and social impact. She is keen to contribute her governance and leadership experience to support the University's continued success and its mission to create positive outcomes for students, communities, and partners.

Qualifications and Recognition

• BSc Business Economics, Cardiff University
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Practitioner
• Government Project Delivery Awards – Team of the Year (Central Government Winner), Pensions Dashboards Programme (2026)
• Mayor of London Good Growth Award Winner (2018)
• Prosperity Through Partnership Award Winner (2009)

Board Role: Vice Chair of Board, Chair of People, Health & Wellbeing Committee

Professional Background  

Peter was born in Cardiff and grew up in Caerphilly before moving to Penarth, where he completed his schooling and began an apprenticeship in the motor vehicle sector. He went on to serve in the Royal Air Force for nine years as an Aircraft Technician before joining the Civil Service to train civilian apprentices. During his early Civil Service career, Peter returned to education part time, completing an MA Ed from the University of Wales. This qualification supported his transition into Human Resources and his subsequent appointment to the Senior Civil Service.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience  

Peter has over 10 years of executive level board experience within a Trading Fund Agency of the Ministry of Defence, alongside 20 years working with the Welsh Government. His career spans HR leadership, organisational development, and strategic workforce planning across UK Government and devolved administration contexts. Peter is also currently a Nonexecutive Member of the Church in Wales Representative Body and Chairs its Human Resources Committee.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board  

• Human Resources and organisational development
• Estates and workplace transformation
• UK Government and devolved administration insight  

Motivation / Personal Statement  

Peter is committed to supporting effective governance through his experience in HR, estates, and public-sector leadership.  

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours  

• MA Ed, University of Wales  
• Chartered Fellow of the CIPD 

Board Role: Governor, Member of People, Health & Wellbeing Committee, Member of Finance Committee 

Professional Background   

Dr Giri Shankar, MD, DNB, MPH, FFPH, MBE, is the Director of Health Protection at Public Health Wales, the national public health institute for Wales. He provides strategic leadership for Health Protection services across the country, overseeing a division of more than 230 staff and working with national and local partners to prevent harm from infectious and environmental hazards. His portfolio includes emergency preparedness and response in line with the Civil Contingencies Act, working closely with first responders, local authorities, health boards and UK‑wide agencies. With 27 years of experience in communicable disease control and public health, Dr Shankar has led major public health programmes, contributed to national preparedness planning, and supported evidence‑based policy and operational delivery across Wales.  

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience   

Dr Shankar is Chair of the IANPHI Thematic Committee on Climate Change and Public Health, contributing to international leadership on global health challenges. He has extensive experience working with government agencies, public health bodies and cross‑sector partners, and has published widely in peer‑reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to research, evaluation and system improvement.  

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board   

• Public health leadership and emergency preparedness 
• Communicable disease control 
• International health collaboration
• Climate change and population health
• Research, evaluation and evidence‑based practice 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in health systems  

Motivation / Personal Statement   

I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Governors at Cardiff Metropolitan University. This is a challenging yet exciting time for the university as it embarks on an ambitious journey over the next number of years. I hope to be able to bring my experience and expertise from a health and public health perspective to contribute to the vision of the Board. I look forward to supporting the strengthening of the University’s international collaborations as well as championing the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.  

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours   

• MBBS, Bangalore University 
• MD (Community Medicine, First Rank), India 
• Diplomate of the National Board (DNB), Social & Preventive Medicine 
• Master of Public Health, University of Birmingham 
• Fellow, Faculty of Public Health (FFPH) 
• Chair, IANPHI Thematic Committee on Climate Change & Public Health 
• MBE for contributions to public health

Board Role: Senior Independent Governor, Vice Chair of People, Health & Wellbeing Committee, Member of Finance Committee

Professional Background

Kevin is an experienced equalities practitioner with a career spanning higher education and the voluntary sector. He currently serves as an in‑house Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) Consultant at London Metropolitan University and provides expert advisory support to the University of Galway. In addition to his institutional roles, Kevin is an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter chair and panellist for Advance HE, contributing to sector‑wide approaches to inclusion and organisational development.

Alongside his employment roles, Kevin runs his own consultancy, specialising in EDI strategy, policy development, and leadership support for higher education institutions and related organisations.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience

Kevin has extensive governance experience across education, science, and charitable organisations. He is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Windsor Fellowship, a race equality and diversity charity for which he received The Guardian Public Service Leadership Excellence Award. He is also a member of the Council of the British Science Association and serves as a School Governor for Salvatorian College in Middlesex.

His advisory portfolio includes work with The UCL Bartlett Promise scholarship initiative and previous governance and committee memberships across research, equality, and professional bodies. Earlier in his career, Kevin held EDI leadership roles at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Birkbeck, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and University College London.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board

• Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion strategy
• Higher education leadership and policy
• Organisational development and change
• Inclusive practice and talent development

Motivation / Personal Statement

Kevin brings a depth of experience shaped by strategic and operational EDI leadership across leading universities and national bodies. He is committed to strengthening inclusive governance and supporting Cardiff Met’s mission through evidence‑based, values‑driven practice.

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours

• LLB Law, Cardiff University
• MA International Relations, SOAS
• International MBA, Instituto de Empresa
• MA (Cantab)
• MSc Human Resources Management, Birkbeck
• MBE for services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (King’s Birthday Honours, 2025)
• Chartered FCIPD – Chartered Fellow of the CIPD
• FLS – Fellow of Linnean Society
• FRSA – Fellow of the RSA
• FIoL – Fellow of the Institute of Leadership

BA MA (Oxon), PhD

Professor Rachael Langford is our current President & Vice-Chancellor as well as being a Professor of French Cultural Studies.

Read more about Professor Langford.

Board Role:  Academic Board Representative, Member of Governance & Nominations Committee, Member of Finance Committee

Professional Background

Dr Cathryn Withycombe joined Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC) in 2001 to study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science before completing her PhD on the immunomodulatory properties of Manuka honey. Her research focused on human cell lines, examining molecular regulation of inflammatory markers and the potential therapeutic value of nutraceuticals. She has continued this research theme, exploring how natural compounds may support disease management.

Cathryn became an academic at Cardiff Met in 2012 and has held several leadership roles, including Programme Director for BSc Biomedical Science (Health, Exercise & Nutrition) and, since 2022, Principal Lecturer for Employability for Health within CSSHS. Her commitment to teaching excellence was recognised in 2014 when she received the Student Led Teaching Fellowship for Cardiff School of Health Sciences.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience

Academic Representative on Cardiff Metropolitan University Academic Board and Chair of the Shape Your Future Committee (2023-25).

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board

• Biomedical science and immunology
• Nutraceutical research
• Employability and curriculum development
• Student experience and academic leadership

Motivation / Personal Statement

Cathryn is committed to enhancing student development and advancing evidence-based approaches to health and wellbeing.

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours

• PhD, Cardiff Metropolitan University (2011)
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (2005)
• PGcTHE, Cardiff Metropolitan University (2013)
• Student Led Teaching Fellowship (2014) Led Teaching Fellowship (2014)

Board Role: Academic Staff Governor, Member of People, Health & Wellbeing Committee, Member of Strategic Planning & Performance Committee

Professional Background  

Dr Clare Glennan is a Senior Lecturer in Qualitative Social and Developmental Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. As a Chartered and Coaching Psychologist and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she specialises in the intersections of psychology, education, and social justice. Her teaching and scholarship focus on qualitative research, applied psychology in education, and developmental social psychology; informed by her doctoral research on adults’ transitions into higher education. Clare has held several leadership roles at Cardiff Met, including Programme Director for Foundation Social Sciences, Exchange Coordinator, and Outreach Coordinator, where she  

developed initiatives such as Cardiff Met’s “Community to Campus” programme to  widen participation and support underrepresented and displaced learners.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience  

Clare contributes to institutional development through her work on the Athena Swan Panel, Sanctuary Working Group, and Sex and Gender Terms of Reference Group. She also serves as a Peer Inspector for Adult Learning with Estyn; Council Member, Adult Learning Wales Governing Body and is the HE Rep on the Education and Training Network for the Third Sector Partnership Council as part of the WCVA.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board  

• Widening participation and inclusion
• Adult and community learning
• Qualitative research
• Civic engagement and partnership development

Motivation / Personal Statement  

Clare is driven by a belief in education as a tool for empowerment and social wellbeing.

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours  

• Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol)   
• Coaching Psychologist (DoCP)   
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)   
• Multiple awards and a nomination for an Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship  

Board Role: Professional Services Staff Governor, Member of the Governance & Nominations Committee, Member of People, Health & Wellbeing Committee

Professional Background

Charlie joined Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2003 and currently works as Lead Technician Demonstrator: Undergraduate Studies and Digital within the Cardiff School of Art & Design. With a background in Architecture and spatial design, she brings a strong technical and creative foundation to her role. Charlie is particularly interested in developing innovative approaches to teaching within technical practice, supporting students in both digital and physical making environments. Her work spans hands on technical support, digital workflows, and the enhancement of learning experiences across undergraduate programmes on technical support, digital workflows, and the enhancement of learning experiences across undergraduate programmes.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience

Alongside her professional role, Charlie serves as a Cardiff Met UNISON steward and represents Professional Services staff on the Board of Governors. She has also been involved in live music, comedy, and arts events, contributing to creative communities beyond the University.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board

• Technical learning and digital practice
• Architecture and spatial design
• Staff representation and advocacy
• Creative and cultural engagement

Motivation / Personal Statement

Charlie is committed to strengthening the visibility and voice of Professional Services staff and supporting high-quality technical learning environments.

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours

• BSc (Hons) Architecture, Cardiff University (2003)
• PGCtHE, Cardiff Metropolitan University (2016)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Professional Background

Colin is a CIMA qualified accountant and a member of the Institute of Directors, with a career spanning organisations from FTSE100 companies to start-ups across sectors including healthcare, food, and cosmetics. He provides Finance Director support to organisations that do not require a fulltime or permanent FD, drawing on extensive experience in senior finance and general management roles. Colin also serves as a Mentor with Be the Business, supporting SME leaders across the UK, and is currently studying for an ILM Level 7 qualification in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. He is a strong advocate for empowering people within organisations to drive meaningful change.

Governance & Nonexecutive Experience

Colin holds key governance roles within WCVA, including Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee and Vice Chair of the Social Investment Cymru Committee. He also mentors' business owners through national programmes.

Areas of Expertise / Contribution to the Board

• Strategic financial leadership
• Organisational development
• Coaching and mentoring
• SME and corporate finance insight

Motivation / Personal Statement

Colin believes in enabling people and organisations to thrive through strong financial stewardship and supportive leadership.

Qualifications, Memberships & Honours

• CIMA qualified accountant
• Member, Institute of Directors
• ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching & Mentoring (in progress)