Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford is a lawyer and businesswoman who previously served as Chancellor of Coventry University. She is a Board member of the Co-op Group and was previously Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe
I want to be a Chancellor that everyone in Oxford can look up to as an emblem of the unity of the University as a community and seat of learning. The Chancellor is not only the bedrock of advice and guidance for the Vice Chancellor and the governing body of the University, but has developed into much more in the modern era. If elected, I would be an envoy for Oxford on the international stage and, as part of that role, crucially recognise and respect the diversity and individuality of each college, as they succeed together with the university as the unifying institution, whilst also being available to the Vice Chancellor and governing body as a support.
After 900 years, it’s time for difference in leadership and I want to be elected emphatically not because I would be the first woman or person hailing from an ethnic minority background to hold the position (although election of a woman would clearly be an overdue change), but because of recognition of my achievements as such – and the symbolism of that recognition to change the limits of what may be possible for those who graduate from Oxford today. Also, because I am consensual in style and collegiate in approach, I believe that a learning environment should foster respectful, confident debate and establish a confidence that builds the resilience that makes future leaders, and people capable of co-operating for success.
Post Brexit, external relation-building is an important part of driving the country’s economic growth. The reach of Oxford’s soft power as a world class institution extends more widely than ever and the role therefore demands diplomatic and ambassadorial skills of its Chancellor and someone who is outward facing without driving any particular political agenda.
I’m a proud graduate and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College and have a huge love for the College and the University. I would consider it the most enormous honour not only to use the role to champion Oxford’s learning and research opportunity, its ambitions and excellence, but also to use the alumni networks to help establish partnerships globally and encourage funding.
The recent focus on the industrial strategy brought into sharp focus the importance of cooperation between public and private partnerships, the power of information sharing and most crucially, the investment in our future. I share the bright and ambitious outlook of the current Government, but recognise the importance of nurturing and supporting our youth, and their wider support systems to set them up for the best chance of success; and then for the nation more widely to recognise the value of our higher education sector. When our youth succeeds, our nation can prosper. Oxford University demonstrated during Covid the way that the excellence of our research is not only a massive economic contributor but can also literally be a lifesaver. Let’s continue to champion that confidence and brilliance.
