New Chair of University Council announced

Posted on 1 August 2016

Respected author and social policy researcher Gerard Lemos has been nominated to become Chair of the University of York Council from August 2017.

Gerard Lemos CMG will succeed Sir Christopher O'Donnell, who has chaired the University’s governing body since 2008.

The University Council oversees the institution's governance and considers its mission, strategic vision, long term business plans, key performance indicators and annual budgets.

An English and History graduate of the University, Gerard Lemos is currently research team leader at social research provider, Lemos&Crane. He is also Chair of Payments UK and Vice-President of the British Board of Film Classification.

He said: “I am looking forward to being back at the University and serving the needs of staff and students as the institution moves forward in an increasingly competitive and challenging sector. York has big ideas and a great vision for the future and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Gerard Lemos previously chaired both the British Council Board of Trustees and the Lending Standards Board. He has also served as a Civil Service Commissioner and a non-executive director of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Koen Lamberts said: “Gerard will bring an impressive range of skills to the University, and as a York graduate and respected researcher he has useful insights into the workings of the institution, which will be particularly important in his role as Chair. We are delighted to welcome him to the Council.”

Gerrard Lemos is the author of many books and reports about social policy, including The Good Prison: Conscience, crime and punishment.

Gerard Lemos joined Council as a lay member on 1 August 2016. Subject to election by Council, he will succeed Sir Christopher O'Donnell as Chair in August 2017.