Vice-Chancellor appointed new Chair of Yorkshire Universities
Posted on Monday 20 October 2025
Professor Jeffery takes up the role at a significant time for Yorkshire Universities (YU), where he will oversee the delivery of the recently launched YU 2025–2030 Strategy.
He will play a key role in coordinating and strengthening YU’s relationships with national and local partners and stakeholders, including business and industry, Mayors and local government, as well the UK Government and key agencies, such as UK Research and Innovation, Skills England, and the Office for Students.
Professor Jeffery serves as a member of the partnership boards of key organisations in the City of York, such as the York Central Steering Board. He was also a member of the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Regional economies
Professor Jeffery said: “The higher education sector is one this country’s most successful industries. The Government has called on universities to help deliver the growth the country needs, recognising how important higher education is for local and regional economies, and how the sector forms part of the fabric of local communities.
“Yorkshire Universities is an effective vehicle in which universities, although facing complex financial pressures, can work together to widen and deepen collaboration between themselves, and with partners to use all our teaching provision and research capabilities to improve skills, increase innovation, and attract new investment to drive improved productivity and prosperity in Yorkshire.”
Key partnerships
Professor Jeffery succeeds Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, who served as YU Chair, before taking up a new position as Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University.
Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome and congratulate Charlie Jeffery on becoming the new YU Chair, and I am very much looking forward to working with him.
"Charlie’s background, alongside his expertise and visionary strategic leadership, align perfectly with the core mission of YU. His commitment to forging partnerships in the pursuit of achieving common goals is one of the key ingredients that will make our region successful."
YU is a registered charity representing eleven universities and one specialist higher education institution in Yorkshire. Members include: Leeds Arts University; Leeds Conservatoire; Leeds Beckett University; Leeds Trinity University; Sheffield Hallam University; University of Bradford; University of Huddersfield; University of Hull; University of Leeds; University of Sheffield; University of York; and York St John University.
