ACU - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Communications
Beth Button is Director of Strategic Communications at the ACU. She is responsible for an integrated internal and external strategic communications strategy to maximise the value and impact of the work of the ACU and its members and influence impactful policy change. Beth provides strategic leadership to the Marketing, Communications and Events, and Strategic Partnerships and Policy teams, and works to build effective external engagement and position the ACU as a high impact partner. Before joining the ACU, Beth worked at University Alliance where she was Head of Communications and Public Affairs. A skilled campaigner and strategic communicator, Beth has a wealth of experience gained in positions at Universities UK and the European Students Union, where she led the organisation's work on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Caroline Harrison is Chief Finance Officer at the ACU. Before joining the ACU, Caroline worked as Director of Finance and Planning at Richmond, The American International University in London where her remit included facilities and estates, as well as finance. Prior to that, Caroline worked at Middlesex University, holding a number of senior positions before being appointed Director of Finance. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA).
Dr Joanna Newman MBE FRSA is Chief Executive and Secretary General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) - the world's oldest international network of universities, dedicated to building a better world through higher education. Through international collaboration, the ACU brings universities together to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Khairul Bashar is Director of Finance at the ACU. Khairul is responsible for financial planning, reporting and statutory accounts, ensuring the ACU complies with best practice in audit and risk and continue s to meet our financial obligations. Khairul and his team also ensure our financial and audit integrity, helping the ACU make the right decisions today and for the future. Before joining the ACU, Khairul worked at the Education Development Trust, helping them improve their financial processes. Prior to that, he worked at the Lawn Tennis Association, where he gained experience managing all financial functions.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Chevening Secretariat
- Is Director of Scholarships
Miranda Thomas is Director of Scholarships and International Mobility. Miranda joined the ACU in 2019 as Director of the Chevening Secretariat. She now has responsibility for the teams delivering the Chevening programme, Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships, Marshall Scholarships, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships and the ACU's work on the Department for Education's Turing scheme, which funds international opportunities in education and training across the world for UK-based students.
Before this Miranda was an Assistant Director at Universities UK International, leading the External Affairs team. Other higher education sector roles have included leading the Business Education and Skills Practice at PR consultancy Communications Management, and teams at Cass Business School (now Bayes Business School), City University of London, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She started out in consumer PR, promoting everything from Girlguiding UK and the Economist to Clarins and Captain Birds Eye. Miranda studied Drama at the University of Exeter.
Tarrance Ryder-Downes is Director of People at the ACU. He is responsible for setting the overall people strategy for the ACU and delivering excellent People and Office and Facilities services across the organisation. The ACU is a great place to work and has a range of benefits that support people to do their best. Tarrance and his team are responsible for creating a high-performing and inclusive culture and encouraging talent, passion, and success across the ACU. Tarrance has over 14 years' experience in HR, including extensive experience across the not-for-profit sector. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.