Professor Braisby is a vastly experienced academic leader with an extensive background in higher education leadership and governance.
Importantly, Professor Braisby has experience of being an Interim Vice-Chancellor, a role he currently holds at the University of Bradford, where is providing strategic leadership and institutional stability.
An accomplished scholar and senior leader, Professor Braisby has held several executive positions across the higher education sector.
His experience spans institutional strategy, academic development and organisational transformation, underpinned by a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence.
The appointment has been made by the Board of Governors to provide stability and additional leadership capacity for the University’s Executive over the next nine months.
During this period, Professor Braisby will support the Board’s committee in the recruitment of the University’s next permanent Vice-Chancellor and will ensure a comprehensive handover to support a smooth and effective transition.
The Board of Governors has set clear objectives and expected outcomes for the interim period, aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.
There is a clear commitment that neither the interim nor the future permanent Vice-Chancellor will alter the University’s five-year strategy. The focus will be on delivering, embedding and strengthening ‘Our Connected Futures’ across all areas of the institution.
Two separate appointment committees, comprising members of the Board of Governors, have been established to oversee the recruitment processes for both this role and the permanent Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Nick Braisby said:
“I am delighted to be joining Edge Hill University. It is a tremendous privilege to serve as the University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor and especially at such an important time.
“True to its mission and values, the University now has an ambitious vision for the next five years expressed through ‘Our Connected Futures,’ itself shaped by the dedication and hard work of colleagues across the institution.
“Building on the University’s great heritage and deep roots in the North West, it calls for dynamism and ambition, all in the service of excellence and putting people first.
“These are just some of the reasons why I think Edge Hill is such a special community of students and staff, and why I am so pleased to be able to lead the University during its next phase.
“I would like to thank Lynn Hill and George Talbot for their excellent leadership, and I look forward to working closely with them, the wider Executive Team, the Chair and Board of Governors and all colleagues and students across the University.
“I will be ensuring that we build on our current momentum, make strong progress in delivering the University’s strategy and enable a successful appointment for the University’s next permanent Vice-Chancellor, all while building on the unique strengths of the Edge Hill community.”
Mark Wilkinson, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Governors, said:
“The Board is delighted to appoint Professor Braisby as Interim Vice-Chancellor for a minimum of nine months whilst we continue the recruitment process for a permanent Vice-Chancellor.
“Nick brings significant experience and a strong track record of leadership including at Vice Chancellor level across the higher education sector.
“I would also like to thank Lynn Hill and George Talbot for their continued leadership and commitment to the University during this period.
“His appointment will provide additional capacity to the Executive, while also supporting the Board in recruiting a permanent Vice-Chancellor.
“Professor Braisby is fully committed to the University’s new five-year strategy and has already clearly indicated his willingness to help lead its delivery during his time at Edge Hill University. We are looking forward to welcoming him to the University at the end of July.”
Chief Operating Officer, Lynn Hill, said:
“George and I are delighted to welcome Professor Nick Braisby to Edge Hill University as Interim Vice-Chancellor.
“Professor Braisby brings significant sector leadership experience and insight, and we are confident he will help provide further stability to the newly formed University’s Executive whilst we recruit for a new permanent Vice-Chancellor.
“We are grateful to colleagues across the University for their hard work and commitment, and we look forward to working closely with Professor Braisby as we prepare for the 2026-27 academic year.”
June 2, 2026
