We’re pleased to announce that following a call for applications, the following LASE members of staff have commenced as Staff Governors on LASE’s Board of Governors:
- Ms Jahanara Ahmed (appointed from the University of Kent)
- Professor Nazanin Zand (appointed from the University of Greenwich)
There was a good interest in both roles and we’re grateful to all those staff who applied. The appointments were approved by the Board of Governors on 28 October following shortlisting interviews and final interviews involving 20 candidates in total from across the University Group.
The two Staff Governors join two Student Governors, the Vice-Chancellor and 12 Independent Governors on the Board of Governors, who are LASE’s directors and trustees, responsible for setting LASE’s strategy with the executive and overseeing its implementation.
Professor Nazanin Zand
Is the Interim Director of the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) at Greenwich and Head of the Food and Markets Department. Nazanin served as a Staff Governor at the University of Greenwich during 2025/26, was a member of the Finance Committee, and is also a Boxley Parish Councillor, bringing knowledge and experience of governance, financial oversight, organisational leadership, risk management, public accountability and partnership working. Through her professional work Nazanin has developed strong and effective relationships across the NHS, public health partners, local authorities, businesses, community organisations and research and innovation initiatives. Having been involved in the decision to approve the strategic merger, Nazanin is well placed to contribute to the Board level discussion in regards the ambitions of LASE and how these can be translated into benefits for students, staff, partners and the wider communities that LASE will serve.
Following her successful appointment to the LASE Board of Governors, Nazanin commented:
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Jahanara Ahmed
Is the Student Success Development Manager and Student Success Lead for Institutional Academic Practice in the Directorate of Student Life at Kent. Having worked at the University of Kent for over twenty years supporting programme administration, student recruitment and admissions, marketing and initiatives designed to enhance student development, engagement and success, Jahanara was elected to the University Council in August 2024 as a Staff Governor and contributed to the discussions and deliberations in relation to the LASE strategic merger, serving on both the Finance & Resources Committee and the Remuneration Committee. With experience as a Finance & Administration Manager within a commercial business, Jahanara brings strong experience for financial and budget management, statutory compliance and business planning. Jahanara believes the shared commitment of both Kent and Greenwich to widening participation, inclusion and social mobility provides a strong foundation for the Group to enhance opportunities and outcomes across the region and is keen to see LASE build on the strengths of each academic division to create a resilient, innovative and financially sustainable university group that delivers exceptional education, research and civic impact.
Upon her successful appointment to the LASE Board of Governors, Jahanara commented:
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