Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne Appointed as OfS Chief Executives

Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne appointed as OfS chief executives

Published on

30 Mar 2026

The Office for Students (OfS) is delighted to confirm that Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Education as the new chief executives of the OfS.

Commenting on the appointment Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne said:

‘It is a great privilege to be appointed as chief executive of the Office for Students having been part of its journey at the outset.

‘The Office for Students and its independent regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring those from all backgrounds can benefit from high quality higher education.

‘We look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the higher education and skills system to deliver for students.’
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

‘This is a crucial moment for higher education, with universities facing real financial pressures and students needing confidence that their courses will have the quality to equip them for the future.

‘Ruth and Polly bring the experience needed to lead a strong, effective regulator that holds the sector to high standards and delivers for students.

‘Their leadership will enable the Office for Students to continue its work to protect students’ interests and support a stable, world-leading sector.’
OfS chair Edward Peck said:

‘I am delighted that Polly and Ruth are bringing their extensive experience and expertise to the leadership of the OfS as we continue our journey towards becoming an exemplary regulator of higher education.

‘The OfS board and I look forward to working with them as we pursue our strategy focused on being ambitious for students, collaborative with education providers and sector agencies, vigilant about the use of public money and vocal about both the strengths and weaknesses of English higher education.’
Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne will join the OfS on 15 June. Josh Fleming, currently Director of Strategy and Delivery at the OfS, will serve as interim chief executive from 1 April, following the departure of Susan Lapworth.

Published 30 March 2026

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