Governance

SGB 49208

At UKCISA, we are proud and grateful to have a dedicated Board of Trustees guiding our charity’s mission and ensuring our organisation remains transparent, effective, and accountable. The Charity Trustee Board is composed of experienced professionals, passionate about international education and committed to supporting the welfare of international students in the UK. They bring a wealth of expertise across education, policy, finance, and law to steer our organisation with integrity and vision. 

Our approach to charity governance is rooted in the core principles of transparency, responsibility, and inclusivity. We adhere to the highest standards of ethical leadership and decision-making, ensuring that all our activities align with our mission to improve the experience and wellbeing of international students in the UK. Through regular oversight, strategic planning and community engagement, our trustees are committed to ensuring that UKCISA delivers maximum impact in a sustainable and responsible way and serves our membership in the best way possible. 

See below for more details about our Trustees and how their leadership helps shape the future of international education in the UK. 

Trustees

The 10 elected and three co-opted members of the Board of Trustees (plus the Chair and Honorary Treasurer) are the charity’s directors and members of the Company and are responsible for managing UKCISA’s affairs. The co-opted members are chosen for their particular skills and experience. All newly appointed trustees receive a comprehensive induction and are given access to appropriate training relevant to their Board position. The Board met four times during the year.

    • Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Sheffield (Chair)
    • Ross Porter, Associate Director, Visa Compliance & Financial Aid, London Business School (Vice-Chair)
    • Peter Barnes, Chief Financial Officer, Study Portals (Honorary Treasurer)
    • Mervyn Adams, International Compliance Manager, City of Glasgow College
    • Lynsey Bendon, Assistant Director (Operations and Student Experience), University of Sunderland
    • Emma Gwynnett-Davies, Manager, International@CampusLife, Swansea University
    • Maria Loray, International Project Coordinator, The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Adityavarman Mehta, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, University of Leeds
    • Sally Saca, Head of International Student Advice Team, Oxford Brookes University
    • Laura Rose-Troup, Head of International, Newcastle College
    • Cat Turhan, Director of Membership Services, Imperial College Union
    • Hamish Walker, Head of Student Immigration Service, University of Edinburgh
    • Lizzie Wright, Head of International Student Support, Imperial College London
    • Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement & Student Life), University of Portsmouth
    • Jonny Exon, Head of College Life, University of York

UKCISA's committees

The UKCISA Board is supported by six committees.

This committee meets three times a year. The purpose of the committee is to support the trustees to efficiently discharge their responsibilities in exercising financial control and managing the charity’s finances. The remit of the committee includes oversight of financial strategy, accounting matters, budgetary control, risk management and external financial reporting. The committee recommend the annual budget, report, and accounts to the Board for approval.

This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to oversee UKCISA’s membership structure and advise the Board on matters related to its membership categories.

This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its obligations in respect of succession planning and selecting candidates for the Board, honorary officers and senior executive positions.

This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to advise the Board on organisational people-related matters and to support UKCISA’s senior management team to implement appropriate policies as part of a wider HR strategy.

This committee meets three times a year. The purpose of the committee is to support trustees by informing UKCISA’s strategic priorities, providing a forum for cross-sector engagement, and overseeing key aspects of the international student experience. This includes guiding the #WeAreInternational brand and #WeAreInternational Student Charter and advising UKCISA’s work in advocacy and influencing policy.

This committee meets four times per year. The purpose of the committee is to provide UKCISA with the student voice and advise the Board on major strategic decisions, projects and policies.

Find out more about UKCISA and our governance

Annual review 2023-2024

Annual accounts 2023-2024

UKCISA Articles of Association

Trustee Election Rules

Trustee Register of Interests (March 2025)

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