Governors Profiles
The effectiveness of the Board of Governors is founded on the collective knowledge, independence and experience of its members. While the Board exercises responsibility collectively, each Governor contributes individual expertise, professional judgement and strategic insight that strengthens institutional governance, supports effective oversight and promotes informed decision-making in the interests of students and the College.
The Board has been constituted to reflect an appropriate balance of higher education experience, governance capability and professional expertise across a range of disciplines relevant to the College’s strategic objectives and regulatory responsibilities. Collectively, Governors provide constructive challenge, objective scrutiny and independent oversight, ensuring that governance remains effective, proportionate and responsive to the changing higher education environment.
The profiles below summarise the principal experience, knowledge and expertise that each Governor brings to the Board. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of capability that supports strategic leadership, academic assurance, financial stewardship, institutional sustainability and the continuous development of the College.
Lord Weir of Ballyholme
Chair – Board of Governors
Having served as Minister for Education in Northern Ireland and as a legislator for over two decades, Lord Peter Weir contributes significant experience in public policy, governance, education leadership and strategic oversight. His background supports the Board’s ability to navigate an evolving regulatory environment while maintaining a strong focus on educational quality and institutional development. His experience of government, public service and education policy supports the Board’s oversight of strategy, governance and regulatory compliance.
Key areas of contribution:
- Governance and leadership
- Public policy and education policy
- Strategic oversight
- Stakeholder engagement
- Regulatory awareness
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Professor Stuart wall
Governor
Independent
Professor Stuart Wall has enjoyed a distinguished career in higher education spanning academic leadership, international education, curriculum development and scholarly publishing. His extensive experience supports the College’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and the enhancement of the student learning experience.
Key areas of contribution:
- Academic leadership
- Curriculum development
- International higher education
- Teaching and learning
- Educational innovation
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Maldwyn Buckland
Vice Principal
With a career focused on quality assurance, regulatory compliance and academic standards, Maldwyn Buckland provides the Board with valuable insight into the frameworks that underpin quality enhancement and institutional accountability within higher education.
Key areas of contribution:
- Quality assurance
- Academic standards
- Regulatory compliance
- Governance effectiveness
- Institutional review
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Richard Hollywood JP
Governor
Independent
Richard Hollywood combines senior leadership experience with a strong understanding of academic governance, digital learning and organisational development. His contribution supports the College’s focus on innovation, quality enhancement and sustainable institutional growth.
Key areas of contribution:
- Academic governance
- Institutional leadership
- Digital learning
- Organisational development
- Quality enhancement
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Gordon Duffy-McGhie
Governor
Independent
As an educator, researcher and advocate for technology-enhanced learning, Gordon Duffy-McGhie contributes a forward-looking perspective on curriculum innovation, employability and the future of higher education delivery.
Key areas of contribution:
- Curriculum innovation
- Educational technology
- Employer engagement
- Student outcomes
- Applied learning
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Professor Kamran Yunus
Governor
Independent
Professor Kamran Younus is a Fellow of Downing College and Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. He brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, governance, academic quality assurance, admissions, and institutional development.
As Director of Admissions at Downing College, Professor Younus has held significant responsibility for admissions strategy, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of widening participation initiatives. His work has involved oversight of complex decision-making processes, the evaluation of performance metrics, and the development of policies designed to enhance fairness, transparency, and access to education.
Throughout his academic career, Professor Younus has contributed to the governance and strategic direction of educational institutions through committee membership, academic leadership, programme development, and the management of multidisciplinary teams. He has extensive experience of working within highly regulated environments where accountability, quality enhancement, risk management, and continuous improvement are central to institutional success.
As an Independent Governor of City of London College, Professor Younus provides independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for governance, financial sustainability, educational quality, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic development. He is committed to promoting excellence, inclusivity, accountability, and effective governance in support of the College’s mission and objectives.
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Dr Shahzad Yousuf
Governor
Dr Yousuf MBA (Birmingham), PhD (Cranfield), FCIM, FRSA, is the Chief Executive Officer of company. He has a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of East London, Masters in Business Administration from the University of Birmingham Business School and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) from the Cranfield School of Management. He teaches Research Methods, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Finance and has worked in the fashion retailing and petroleum industries. For over 45 years he has been involved in the management of Higher Education.
Dr Shahzad Yousuf has made a significant contribution to the growth and international recognition of City of London College. In 1998, he led the College in securing a higher education licence, placing it among a select group of institutions authorised by the UK Government. His leadership was further recognised in 2011 when the College received the Queen’s Award for International Trade from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, acknowledging its outstanding contribution to promoting UK education worldwide.
Date of Appointment: 4th May 2026
End Date of Appointment: 29th June 2029
Student Governor
Governor
Collective Contribution
Although Governors contribute specialist knowledge within their respective fields, all members share collective responsibility for the governance of the College. Board decisions are made collectively following appropriate scrutiny, discussion and challenge, ensuring that individual expertise contributes to balanced, evidence-informed decision-making rather than representing sectional interests.
Working together, Governors provide oversight of:
- institutional strategy and organisational development;
- academic quality, standards and student outcomes;
- financial sustainability and resource stewardship;
- governance effectiveness and institutional assurance;
- organisational risk and regulatory compliance; and
- the long-term success of the College in the interests of current and prospective students.
Commitment to Effective Governance
The Board reviews its membership periodically to ensure that its collective skills, experience, independence and diversity continue to support the College’s strategic priorities and governance responsibilities. Succession planning, Governor development and periodic effectiveness reviews help maintain a governing body that can provide robust oversight while responding to the evolving needs of the institution and the higher education sector.
The Governor Profiles demonstrate the breadth of expertise available to the College and reinforce the Board’s commitment to independent governance, accountability and continuous improvement. Together, Governors provide the strategic leadership and oversight necessary to support academic excellence, institutional resilience and positive outcomes for students.