University of Oxford adds a key role to its central administration

Society recently supported the University of Oxford on the appointment of Antony Willott to the newly created role of Head of the Registrar’s Office.  

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. Oxford is a collegiate university, made up of 38 colleges and over 100 academic departments.

The University Administration Services (UAS), led by the Registrar Gillian Aitken, oversees all central administrative departments. Responsible for the management and administration of the University’s functions, the Registrar acts as principal adviser on strategic affairs to the Vice-Chancellor and Council.

The new position of Head of the Registrar’s Office was created to support the work of the Registrar and contribute to the successful running of the University’s operation and administration. The role will work closely with the Registrar to help develop her ideas and plan priorities, successfully engaging and inspiring colleagues to deliver results, working with the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellors, academic divisions, the Registrar’s senior leadership team and with intercollegiate bodies and external bodies.

Society undertook an extensive cross-sector search to identify individuals who possessed a diverse sets of skills, including strong written and verbal communication, numeric and financial acumen, organisation and project management, complex stakeholder management, and an ability to lead and inspire a team.

The successful candidate, Antony Willott, joins the University from the Home Office, where he was most recently the Head of Office for the General Counsel and Solicitor. He has previous experience with both the House of Lords and the Charity Commission.

Speaking about his appointment and experience, Antony commented:

“I’m delighted to be joining the University of Oxford and looking forward working with the Registrar and her senior team in supporting and enhancing the provision of Professional Services across the University.

“It was great working with Society: they were helpful throughout the recruitment process, providing just the right balance of support and challenge.”

Antony joins the University on Monday, July 8, and we wish him every success in his new role.