News Desk. CARDIFF / LONDON — In a major development for the UK’s higher education sector, Professor Osama Khan, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales, has been officially appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) as well as the Board of UCAS Media.
The announcement forms part of a series of strategic leadership appointments at the national admissions body. Joining Professor Khan on the board are newly appointed Chair Alistair Jarvis CBE, alongside fellow Trustees Kash Ghedia and Luke Sparkes.
Bringing the Welsh Perspective to the National Stage
Expressing his gratitude following the appointment, Professor Khan emphasized his commitment to widening participation and ensuring regional voices shape national higher education policy.
"Education has transformed my own life, and I have been privileged to witness its power to change the futures of thousands of students and their families," Professor Khan said. "I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to bring the perspectives of Wales, its universities, and our communities to this important national organisation, while contributing to widening educational opportunities across the UK."
He extended congratulations to incoming Chair Alistair Jarvis CBE and acknowledged UCAS Chief Executive Dr Jo Saxton CBE and the wider leadership team for their trust. Reflecting on his personal ethos, Professor Khan added, "May Almighty guide me to serve with humility, kindness, and purpose."
A Sector Leader Driven by Inclusion
Professor Khan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for UK higher education, as institutions navigate evolving student demographics, international recruitment shifts, and ongoing efforts to widen access for underrepresented communities.
Having assumed leadership as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales, Professor Khan brings decades of experience as an academic innovator, former investment banker, and senior executive leader. Prior to his role at USW, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Aston University, where he oversaw major institutional reforms, digital learning enhancements, and student success frameworks.
Throughout his career, Professor Khan has been a staunch advocate for educational equity, social mobility, and student-centered governance. His inclusion on the UCAS Board ensures that the distinct needs of Welsh universities, local communities, and non-traditional learners remain central to the UK’s admissions infrastructure.
Strengthening UCAS Leadership
UCAS serves as the primary centralized admissions service for universities and colleges across the United Kingdom, processing hundreds of thousands of applications annually. The appointment of Professor Khan and his fellow trustees aligns with the organization's mission to deliver fair, transparent, and accessible pathways for prospective students across all four nations. With new leadership taking shape under Alistair Jarvis CBE and the guidance of Chief Executive Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS is set to strengthen its strategic focus on social mobility, data-driven insights, and digital service transformation across the sector.
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