Professional services and University administration
Administrative and professional staff support students, academics and researchers across the University
Our professional services are also known collectively as the University Administration and Services (UAS).
Their purpose is to
- support the University’s core academic purposes of teaching, learning and research
- ensure the University can meet the requirements of government, funding bodies and other external agencies
- facilitate the attainment of the objectives set out in the University’s Strategic Plan
Role of the Registrar
The Registrar, Gill Aitken, is the senior administrator within the University. The formal responsibilities of the Registrar, who is appointed by Council, are set out in the University’s Statutes and Regulations. This legislation defines the Registrar as the principal adviser on strategic policy to the Vice-Chancellor and to Council. The Registrar is also secretary to both Congregation and Council, and is responsible, under the Vice-Chancellor, for leading the management and administration of the University’s affairs.
Professional Services (UAS) sections
Professional services in the central University are grouped into sections. The heads of Professional Services sections predominantly report to the Registrar.
Further information about the work of each section, together with contact details can be found below.
Email: academicadmin.comms@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: Academic Support (OxIntranet)
Postal address: Academic Administration Division, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Academic Registrar: Saira Shaikh
Executive Assistant: Camille Rougelot
The Academic Administration Division (AAD) is the University’s group of services focused on students and learning. The AAD provides the support and information that students need to thrive in their academic and personal lives. It works with staff and students across the collegiate University to support students from before they join Oxford until they leave. In particular it focuses on student recruitment, student services, student administration and educational policy.
The Academic Registrar reports to the Registrar.
The AAD’s sections are:
Careers Service
Works across the University to help students develop their employability skills and make the best informed decisions. They also work with recruiters to promote opportunities.
- Website: www.careers.ox.ac.uk
Education Policy Support
Develops the University’s education policy and manages quality assurance.
Graduate Admissions
Oversees the graduate admissions process, supporting applications, departments and colleges.
Language Centre
The language hub for all Oxford students and staff.
- Website: www.lang.ox.ac.uk
Centre for Teaching & Learning
Provides advice and guidance on course design, adopting technology and digital resources, and assisting in pilots of new teaching methods.
- Website: www.ctl.ox.ac.uk
Sport
Provides all sports facilities, services and opportunities to the great University community.
- Website: www.sport.ox.ac.uk
Student Fees and Funding
Supports prospective and current students and the collegiate University on all aspects of fees and funding.
Student Systems
Development and support of core IT systems for academic administration.
Student Registry
Oversees student records, University examination and assessments, data analysis and reporting, degree ceremonies, student information, and visas and immigration.
Student Welfare and Support Services
Responsible for student welfare provision across the University.
Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
Provides a central undergraduate admissions service for colleges and applicants.
Websites:
governance.admin.ox.ac.uk/assurance
compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk
www.infosec.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Assurance Directorate, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Director of Assurance: Lukasz Bohdan
Executive Assistant: Tui Solomon
The Assurance Directorate supports the Registrar across a wide and demanding range of legislative and regulatory issues. It promotes the benefits of, and improves the University’s approach to, compliance issues.
The Directorate is responsible for ensuring the University has adequate and effective arrangements for the provision of assurance to Council and to its regulator, the Office for Students, across the University’s activities. The Directorate oversees the effective functioning of the University’s risk management processes and its internal control framework in support of the objectives set out in the Strategic Plan.
The Directorate leads across departmental boundaries to provide assurance over compliance with the University’s legal, regulatory and other obligations, and its framework of policies and processes, and provides specialist advice and support to the Registrar and senior officers of the University as well as managing relationships with intercollegiate and external bodies, and regulatory authorities.
The Directorate encompasses a number of the University’s Professional Services teams who work collaboratively across key areas including Assurance, Compliance, Information Security and Risk Management:
The Director of Assurance reports to the Registrar.
Enquiries: 01865 (6)11530
Email: enquiries@devoff.ox.ac.uk
Websites:
- www.development.ox.ac.uk (fundraising)
- www.alumni.ox.ac.uk (alumni engagement)
Postal address: Development and Alumni Engagement, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer: Liesl Elder
Senior Executive Assistant: Amanda Mitchell
Executive Director of Development: Antony Green
Director of Advancement Operations: Kate Lawton
Director of Global Philanthropy: Dr Liz Miller
Interim Director of Alumni Engagement: Claire Grainger
Development and Alumni Engagement’s (DAE) mission is to help secure philanthropic support for the University, and build an engaged, informed and active alumni community. Through working in partnership with academic, development, and alumni colleagues throughout the collegiate University, DAE builds enduring relationships with external constituencies – including alumni, non-alumni, corporate and foundation donors – and increases financial support for agreed academic priorities.
As one of the central administrative departments of the University, DAE collaborates closely with a number of other units and teams, particularly Public Affairs, Finance, Research, and Legal etc.
In 2019, the University and the colleges completed the Oxford Thinking Campaign, which raised 3ドル.34bn, and is the most successful fundraising campaign in higher education in Europe. The University is currently planning its next major campaign, and all members of DAE will play a role in helping realise its successful delivery.
In addition to front-line fundraising and alumni engagement staff, DAE has a number of teams that cover particular support functions. These include:
- Donor Relations
- Events
- Prospect Research
- International Engagement
- Development and Alumni Relations Systems (DARS) (which supports the Development and Alumni Relations database)
- Communications
- Marketing and Insights
DAE works closely with the Gift Registry, part of the Finance Division, which records and processes donations received by the University and on behalf of colleges. In addition, there are four overseas offices whose remit includes development and alumni engagement; these offices are located in North America, Japan, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.
DAE is led by Liesl Elder, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, who reports to the Vice-Chancellor.
Humanities
Divisional Registrar: Alexandra Vincent
Email: alexandra.vincent@humanities.ox.ac.uk
Tel: 01865 (2)70555
Website: www.humanities.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Humanities Division, Radcliffe Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG
Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS)
Divisional Registrar: Dr Tracy Gale
Email: tracy.gale@mpls.ox.ac.uk
Tel: 01865 (2)82570
Website: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, 9 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PD
Medical Sciences
Divisional Registrar: Chris Price
Email: communications@medsci.ox.ac.uk
Tel: 01865 (2)89565
Website: www.medsci.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Medical Sciences Office, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU
Social Sciences
Divisional Registrar: David White
Email: david.white@socsci.ox.ac.uk
Tel: 01865 (6)14852
Website: www.socsci.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Social Sciences, Hayes House, 75 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2BQ
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM)
GLAM Registrar and Chief Operating Officer: Lindsay Rudge
Email: lindsay.rudge@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Website: www.glam.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Gardens, Libraries and Museums Divisional Office, Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW
The divisional offices of the four academic divisions within the University support the work of divisional boards and their constituent faculties and departments; undertake much of the day-to-day work relating to planning and resource allocation, the administration of academic appointments, on-course graduate administration, and the detailed supervision of education and research. Their responsibilities cover budgeting and financial planning, educational provision, and academic policy across their divisions, with a particular role in monitoring and quality assurance.
The Gardens, Libraries and Museums of the University of Oxford contain some of the world's most significant collections. Overseen by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (People & GLAM), the division comprises the four University museums – Ashmolean, History of Science, Natural History and Pitt Rivers; the Bodleian Libraries; and the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum. Both individually and collectively, the collections are integral to the delivery of the University’s strategic aims of teaching, research and widening participation. They also embody the public face of the University and represent the front door to the wealth of knowledge and research curated by and generated at Oxford.
The Divisional Registrars report to the Registrar.
Enquiries: 01865 (2)78750
Email: estates.reception@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: estates.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Estates Services, The Malthouse, Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford, OX1 1NQ
Director of Estates: Trevor Payne
PA to the Director of Estates: Anna Gaw
Estates Services is responsible for the management and strategic development of the University’s functional and commercial estate comprising 443 buildings and the infrastructure associated with them. The University’s functional estate covers more than 260 buildings – and spaces between them – that are used for specialist research, teaching laboratories and lecture halls, sports facilities, libraries and museums, and administrative and ceremonial activities. Over 180 other properties in and around Oxford form the commercial estate which includes accommodation for the University’s graduate students as well as office space, warehouses, and agricultural land and property.
The day-to-day responsibilities of Estates Services include: the management of the University’s capital building programme – aimed at delivering world-class new buildings; planned and reactive repairs and maintenance including upkeep of some of the finest buildings in the city; facilities management for a growing number of University buildings and departments; the provision of key central services such as the mail room and reprographics services; maintaining a safe and secure physical environment for staff, students and visitors; the allocation of space for departmental use; property acquisitions, disposals and leases; managing accommodation for graduate students; conserving Wytham Woods and the University Parks, and managing gardens and landscapes across the estate; developing and implementing carbon reduction strategies across the University, and helping staff and students to make sustainable workplace and travel choices.
The Director of Estates reports to the Registrar.
Enquiries: 01865 (6)16131
Website: finance.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Finance Division, University of Oxford, C/O Oxford University Press, Great Clarenden Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP
Chief Financial Officer: Mr Simon Boddie
The Finance Division interacts with a wide range of officers on financial issues, including those at Oxford University Press and Oxford University Innovation. The Division also advises Council and other relevant University bodies on financial strategy; prepares the University’s financial statements, its operating plans and forecasts; and has oversight of the capital planning process and treasury management.
The Finance Division provides advice and information on financial matters affecting all University departments, divisions and subsidiary companies. The Division comprises a range of support services, including:
- financial operations: purchasing, supplier payments, payroll and expense payments, petty cash, accounts receivable, financial systems and training;
- financial reporting: management and statutory accounts, subsidiary company accounts, research accounts and gift registry;
- financial support: divisional teams, financial training, financial assurance and communications; and
- professional services: purchasing, treasury, insurance, tax and pensions.
The Finance Division operates both through specialist teams in the shared service centre in Hythe Bridge Street and dedicated divisional finance teams based in each divisional office.
Through the Financial Systems Support Centre, the Division also provides technical support and finance training to users of the Oracle Financials accounting system.
The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Vice Chancellor.
People Department
Enquiries: 01865 (2)89900
Website: hr.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: People Department, Hayes House, 75 George Street, Oxford OX1 2BQ
Director of HR: Dr Markos Koumaditis
Executive Assistant to the Director: Kate Ogilvy
The Director oversees the People Department, which includes the People and Organisational Development team, the Equality and Diversity Unit, Childcare Services, the Occupational Health Service, the Safety Office and the Wellbeing programme. The People Department supports Council’s People Committee in the strategic development, implementation and review of comprehensive policies on all aspects of employment and employee relations.
The department’s day-to-day activity is focused on providing specialist advice to heads of department, chairs of faculty boards and departmental administrators in the context of an overall devolved approach to employment within the University. Staff are responsible for servicing various central staffing provisions, such as the joint consultative committees with employee representatives, grading, disciplinary appeals and certain elements of academic appointments.
Childcare Services
Enquiries: 01865 (2)89841
Email: childcare@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Childcare Services, University of Oxford, 92 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7ND
Head of Childcare Services: Joanne Mason
Equality and Diversity Unit
Enquiries: 01865 (2)89825
Email: equality@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: edu.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Equality and Diversity Unit, Hayes House, 75 George Street, Oxford OX1 2BQ
Deputy Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit: Marilyn Verghis
Occupational Health Service
Enquiries: 01865 (2)82676
Email: enquiries@uohs.ox.ac.uk
Website: Members of the University looking for more information about Occupational Health should go to OxIntranet (single sign-on required).
Postal address: University Occupational Health Service, 10 Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PD
Interim Director of Occupational Health and Safety: Brian Jenkins
PA to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety: Lucia Browning
Safety Office
Enquiries: 01865 (2)70811
Email: postmaster@safety.ox.ac.uk
Website: Members of the University looking for more information about Safety Office should go to OxIntranet (single sign-on required).
Postal address: University Safety Office, 10 Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PD
Interim Director of Occupational Health and Safety: Brian Jenkins
PA to the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety: Lucia Browning
People and Organisational Development
Enquiries: 01865 (2)86808
Email: pod@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: pod.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: People and Organisational Development, University of Oxford, Littlegate House, 16/17 St Ebbe's Street, Oxford, OX1 1PT
Interim Head of People and Organisational Development: Julie Rees
Wellbeing Programme
Email: wellbeing@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: Thriving at Oxford . Members of the University looking for more information about Thriving at Oxford should go to OxIntranet (single sign-on required).
Postal address: Wellbeing Programme team, C/O University Occupational Health Service, 10 Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PD
Wellbeing Programme Manager: Frances Parkes
Enquiries: 01865 (2)80417
Email: international.engagement@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/international-oxford/international-engagement-office
Postal address: International Engagement, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD
Office Administrator: Vicky Taylor
The International Engagement office aims to combine its expertise in higher education internationalisation and its analytic ability with other departments’ specialist expertise in order to identify opportunities and develop international activity. The work of the office includes designing initiatives and policy to secure Oxford’s international goals; collecting, creating, storing, analysing and publishing data on aspects of international activity; identifying, analysing and summarising international opportunities and risks for the University; coordinating country and regional networks and drafting international collaborative agreements; and arranging visits to Oxford by international partners and advising on foreign travel by senior University staff. Almost all of the International Engagement office’s activities are carried out in collaboration with other University departments.
IT Service Desk: 01865 (6)12345
Technical enquiries: www.it.ox.ac.uk/want/help
Website: www.it.ox.ac.uk
Postal addresses:
IT Services, Dartington House, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD (administrative address)
IT Services, 13 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6NN
Email:
- Dartington House Reception: dhreception@it.ox.ac.uk
- Banbury Road Reception: br.reception@it.ox.ac.uk
Interim Director of IT Services: Dr Michael Fraser
EA/PA support to the Interim Director of IT Services: smt-pa@it.ox.ac.uk
IT Services is the central IT department dedicated to supporting the University of Oxford in its mission as a world-leading research and teaching university. The work of IT Services is wide-ranging and diverse: as well as the core IT systems, tools and services that keep the University running day-to-day, the department provides innovative services and projects to support effective education, administration, application of technology, research, and engagement.
Delivery of IT services and digital change programmes, to support the University's IT Strategic Plan, is a collaborative activity requiring partnership between central IT, the academic divisions, departments and colleges.
The Interim Director of IT Services reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital) until 1 November 2025 when the incoming Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO), David White, takes up his role as part of the Vice-Chancellor's senior leadership team.
DGU Reception: 01865 (2)70202
Email: dgu@digital.ox.ac.uk
Information online: https://www.it.ox.ac.uk/article/launch-of-the-new-digital-governance-unit (DGU SharePoint site coming soon)
Postal address: Digital Governance Unit, Dartington House, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Director of the Digital Governance Unit and Deputy Chief Digital & Information Officer (Deputy CDIO): Stuart Lee
Executive Assistant to the Director of the DGU and Deputy CDIO: Kate Forbes
Formed in September 2025, the Digital Governance Unit (DGU) is responsible for governance and coordination of digital and information technology services across the University. It exists to improve the way the University delivers, makes decisions about, and uses technology, to meet the challenges and harness the opportunities of a digital world.
The University’s digital estates continues to evolve, and the DGU plays a critical role in ensuring that these services are effective, coordinated, compliant, and secure. Its core functions span Digital Architecture, Digital Assurance, Strategic Digital Partnerships, coordination of the Digital Transformation Programme (whilst delivery sits within IT Services), and during its early phases, the University’s CRM Programme (Halo).
The Director of the DGU reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital), until 1 November 2025 when the incoming Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO), David White, takes up his role as part of the Vice-Chancellor's senior leadership team.
Enquiries: 01865 (2)70126
Email: lsoweb@admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Legal Services, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD;
(for property matters, planning and construction issues): Legal Services, Estates Directorate, The Malthouse, Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford OX1 1NQ
Director of Legal Services and General Counsel: Andrew Mackie
Office Manager & Executive Assistant: Megan Ramsay
The Legal Services Office provides legal advice across the University and to all the University's subsidiary companies over a wide area, including joint ventures; commercial law; competition law; procurement; risk management and insurance; finance; banking; tax; governance; education law; employment; student issues; harassment; discrimination; conflict of interest; trusts; data protection; freedom of information; intellectual property; real property; planning; construction; and the environment. Although it does not advise individuals in their private capacities, it may act where there is a University interest in an individual’s case.
The Director of Legal Services reports to the Registrar. He and his legal colleagues also liaise with the Conference of Colleges Legal Panel on issues of relevance to the collegiate University as a whole, but they do not act for the colleges.
Enquiries: 01865 (2)70008
Email: council.sec@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: governance.admin.ox.ac.uk
Postal address: Council Secretariat, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Director of Planning & Council Secretariat: Antony Willott
PA to the Director of Planning and Council Secretariat: Martina Harley
The Planning and Council Secretariat team are responsible for supporting the University’s Governance processes including Congregation and Council and its committees. The team is also responsible for the University’s annual planning process, for capital planning and for the University’s strategic plan and its implementation. Our resource allocation section operates the Joint Resource Allocation Mechanism (JRAM), which allocates teaching and research income to departments and colleges, and the Service Charge and Space Charge which apportions central overhead costs.
In addition we maintain the University statutes and regulations, oversee the University’s Trusts and manage congregation and convocation elections.
Governance team
The Governance team in Planning and Council Secretariat is responsible for matters relating to the University’s governance, including the servicing of Council and a number of its committees, including the General Purposes Committee, and meetings of Congregation.
The team maintains the University’s statutes and regulations and is responsible for a wide range of other areas of work, including elections by Congregation and Convocation, and the maintenance of Congregation membership.
University’s Trusts and manage congregation and convocation elections.
Focus
Focus is the University's change and continuous improvement team. It works on a range of activities including services reviews, projects and consultancy, to support the University’s professional services strategy and empower staff to shape better ways of working.
The Focus team partner with faculties and departments, to collaborate and enable improvement activities using proven tools and methodologies.
Enquiries: 01865 (2)80529
Website: www.ox.ac.uk/publicaffairs
Postal address: Public Affairs Directorate (PAD), University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Director of Public Affairs and Communications: James Colman
Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Affairs and Communications: Rebecca Hedges
The role of PAD is to increase understanding of the aims and activities of the University, including its constituent departments, faculties and colleges. It also promotes effective internal communication within Oxford’s large and dispersed institutional structure.
PAD manages media relations and University news; produces a wide range of University publications, including the student prospectuses, the Gazette, University Bulletin and digital content for the alumni channel Oxford Today; runs the University’s Design Studio and image library; oversees use of the University brand; manages the content of the top levels of the University website and the University core social media sites; organises major University events; and advises on internal and external communications activity, and community and government relations.
Email: research.services@admin.ox.ac.uk
Website: Members of the University looking for more information about Research Services should go to OxIntranet (single sign-on required).
Postal address: Research Services, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD.
Director of Research Services: Dr Stephen Conway
Executive Assistant to the Director of Research Services: Tiffany Gardner
Research Services works with Oxford’s researchers, divisions, departments, collaborators and funders to facilitate world-class research.
Research Services' responsibilities include providing advice and information on funding opportunities, supporting major bids, reviewing and authorising applications, accepting new awards, sponsor liaison, negotiating research-related contracts, advising on the costing and pricing of research, clinical trials governance, human research ethics and research integrity, facilitating intellectual property management, regional partnerships in research and innovation, fostering public engagement with research, supporting the work of the Research Committee and related groups, and helping to profile the impacts of Oxford research.
The Director of Research Services reports to the Registrar.
Upholds legislation, policy and practice by scrutinising governance and operations.
- Website: www.proctors.ox.ac.uk
An independent review of aspects of the Proctors’ Office’s operations is taking place during Michaelmas term 2025. For more information, including the terms of reference, please see the staff gateway page:
Registrar's Office
Enquiries: 01865 (2)70233
Postal address: Registrar’s Office, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD
Registrar: Mrs Gill Aitken CB, registrar@admin.ox.ac.uk
Deputy Registrar: Dr Stephen Conway, stephen.conway@admin.ox.ac.uk
Head of the Registrar's Office: Mareli Grady, mareli.grady@admin.ox.ac.uk
Executive Assistant and Diary Manager: Savita Anderson, savita.anderson@admin.ox.ac.uk
The Registrar’s Office does not have access to any student information.
For students or former students who require a degree certificate, degree confirmation letter or academic transcript, or for employers, prospective employers or other educational institutes seeking to verify qualifications from the University of Oxford, please visit the Graduation & Leaving Oxford webpage.