Professor Jane Harrington - Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer
Professor Jane Harrington has been Vice‑Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Greenwich since December 2019. She leads the University with ambition, energy and a strong commitment to education without boundaries, widening opportunity and achieving real‑world impact. She has also been announced as the inaugural Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the new trailblazing London and South East University Group.
With a career in higher education spanning over 35 years, Professor Harrington is widely recognised for inclusive, values‑led leadership that places student success, social mobility and civic responsibility at its core. Her leadership has transformed the University of Greenwich and positioned it at the heart of the first of its kind multi‑university group.
Role and leadership
As Vice‑Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Harrington has overall responsibility for the University’s strategic direction, academic mission, financial sustainability and institutional performance. She works closely with the Governing Body, Executive Senior Leadership Team, staff, students and partners to ensure the University delivers high‑quality education and makes a meaningful contribution locally, regionally and nationally.
Since her appointment, she has led the University through a period of significant change and growth, including navigating the COVID‑19 pandemic and overseeing the safe reopening of campuses. During this time, she launched Strategy 2030, driving systematic improvements in teaching, student experience and institutional resilience.
Under her leadership, the University of Greenwich has:
- Achieved TEF Gold, recognising excellence in teaching and student outcomes
- Improved student satisfaction year‑on‑year
- Ranked 4th nationally for social mobility
- Delivered sector‑leading EDI outcomes, including reducing the gender pay gap from 12.9% to 8.5%, achieving Athena Swan Bronze, achieving Race Equality Charter, securing the Disabled Students’ Commitment, receiving Stonewall Trailblazer status, becoming the first university in the UK recognised as a Menopause Friendly Employer, increasing the representation of women and BAME staff in senior roles, being cited as sector good practice in tackling antisemitism, and enrolling one of the highest numbers of care‑experienced students nationally (120 in 2024/25)
- Strengthened financial resilience, enabling major capital investment including the redevelopment of Devonport House within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant enhancements to digital student platforms
- Achieved a 7th‑place ranking in the People & Planet University League, alongside major carbon‑reduction initiatives
Professor Harrington is currently co‑leading one of the most significant developments in UK higher education in decades: a landmark merger with the University of Kent announced in September 2025, establishing a first‑of‑its‑kind multi‑university model that has attracted global attention. In recognition of this leadership, Times Higher Education named her Change‑Maker of the Year 2025.
Known for her collaborative approach, Professor Harrington believes deeply in the transformative power of higher education. She is committed to opening opportunities, removing barriers and ensuring that students from all backgrounds are supported to succeed at the University of Greenwich.
Career background
Before joining Greenwich, Professor Harrington was Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at UWE Bristol, with responsibility for academic faculties, research, business engagement and student facing professional services. She has also held senior leadership roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law.
Her career includes international work in India and the Canary Islands and engagement with the United Nations University of Peace, bringing a global perspective to partnership focused education.
Professor Harrington is an alumna of Bristol Business School. Her academic expertise is in organisational studies and human resource management, with particular interests in inclusive leadership, gender and work, and teaching excellence.
External roles and sector leadership
Professor Harrington contributes to the wider education and public sectors through a number of external appointments, including:
- Chair, University Alliance
- Board member, Universities UK (UUK)
- Policy Lead (Student Experience, Education and Skills) UUK
- Board member, Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA)
- Member, Department for Education Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group
- Board member, Kent and Medway Enterprise Partnership
- Associate Board member, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust