New trustees bring employability and skills expertise to Jisc
Three new trustees bring a wealth of experience across applied research and further education.
Simon Hewitt, principal, Dundee and Angus College, and chairman of Dundee’s Local Employability Partnership, was appointed a trustee on 18th March 2025.
Starting as a student at the college almost 20 years ago, Mr Hewitt moved into lecturing in computing, becoming department head in 2009, then vice-principal, and finally college principal in 2020. During his tenure in senior leadership, he has guided the college through a crippling cyber attack, the pandemic, and a challenging financial landscape.
His interests lie in the interconnectivity between employment and education, and he is currently spearheading a project to introduce two new campuses on the site of former shopping centres in Dundee and Arbroath.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hewitt remarks:
"I’m honoured to join the board of Jisc at a time when the role of digital technology in education and research has never been more critical. Jisc plays a vital role in enabling innovation, ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure, and supporting the sector to respond to both current challenges and future opportunities.
"With a background in further education, digital strategy and employability, I’m passionate about how technology can transform lives, open up opportunities and drive real social and economic impact. I look forward to contributing to Jisc’s continued success and working with colleagues to support the development of truly impactful digital solutions for the UK’s education and research communities."
Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice chancellor of the University of Sheffield, was nominated by Universities UK and appointed on 1 April 2025. Professor Lamberts brings experience as former Chair of UCAS, current Chair of UKCISA’s board of trustees, and as a Board Member of the Russell Group.
He has a long track record in experimental research into cognitive processes in perception, memory and decision making, and collaboration with industry including applied research on consumer behaviour and product design. He has held leadership positions at prominent universities including as the vice-chancellor at the University of York, and provost at the University of Warwick.
Professor Lamberts says:
"Jisc plays a critical role in the UK education sector and, in a world of rapid technological advancements, we stand at a moment of real opportunity for digital transformation that enhances our research, innovation and education. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and the Jisc team to further its mission and improve lives."
Anthony Bravo, OBE, Principal and chief executive of Basingstoke College of Technology was nominated by the Association of Colleges and will take up the position on 1 January 2026.
Mr Bravo has a lifelong passion for education, originally qualifying as a teacher at Newcastle University. In 2003, he set up Crossways Academy, which became a CISCO world reference site for the use of ICT in education.
His experience over the past 40 years has focused on further education, with a specific interest in the use of technology, culture development, community, and employer partnership.
Mr Bravo comments:
"I am very proud to take up the position of Trustee for Jisc, an organisation which shares my vision that technology can be a force for good within education. I’m looking forward to getting started and supporting more educational institutions explore the different types of technology and how they can enhance their provision to benefit both staff and students."
Professor Lisa Roberts, vice chancellor, University of Exeter, and Joanna Campbell, Principal and CEO, Glasgow Kelvin College, have both come to the end of their terms as trustees. Debra Gray, principal and CEO, Hull College will finish her term in December 2025.