The appointment of Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne as joint Chief Executives of the Office for Students (OfS) marks a significant moment in the regulation of higher education in England. Announced on March 30, 2026, this pioneering job-share arrangement sees the two seasoned civil servants sharing a single chief executive role, starting June 15, 2026. This comes as the sector grapples with mounting financial pressures and demands for enhanced student outcomes.

🌟 A Historic Job-Share at the Helm of Higher Education Regulation

The decision to appoint Hannant and Payne to co-lead the OfS underscores a commitment to innovative leadership models. Job-sharing at the executive level is rare in public sector regulators, yet these two have a proven 16-year history of successful collaboration. Their partnership previously powered key roles, including Directors General at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for five years and earlier at the Department for Transport (DfT).

This model promises enhanced resilience and diverse perspectives, particularly valuable amid the OfS's evolving mandate. As Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted, universities face 'real financial pressures,' and students require assurance of course quality for future success. Hannant and Payne's dual leadership aims to foster a 'strong, effective regulator' focused on student interests and sector stability.

Ruth Hannant's Extensive Government and Policy Expertise

Ruth Hannant brings deep experience in policy delivery across multiple departments. As Director General for Culture, Sport and Civil Society at DCMS—shared with Payne—she oversaw strategies impacting creative industries and community engagement. Prior to that, both served as Directors of Higher Education at the Department for Education (DfE) from 2014 to 2017, a formative period when the OfS was conceived to replace the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

Hannant's career trajectory highlights her role in shaping higher education reforms, including the transition to a market-oriented regulatory framework. Her involvement from the OfS's inception equips her to navigate its current priorities, such as financial oversight and access for underrepresented groups.

Polly Payne's Blend of Academia and International Development

Polly Payne complements Hannant's profile with a unique mix of academic and global experience. Before her senior government roles, she worked at the University of Sussex, contributing to institutional strategy. Her international stints include assignments with the Asian Development Bank in Mongolia and the Overseas Development Institute in Zanzibar, honing skills in education policy across diverse contexts.

Payne's decade at HM Treasury in economic and policy roles adds fiscal acumen, crucial for addressing university deficits. Together, their backgrounds ensure a holistic approach to the OfS's remit: regulating over 400 higher education providers to safeguard student interests.

The Leadership Transition: From Susan Lapworth to Joint Stewardship

Susan Lapworth's departure at Easter 2026 ends nearly four years as sole Chief Executive. Josh Fleming, current Director of Strategy and Delivery, will bridge the gap as interim from April 1. This smooth handover aligns with the OfS's new strategy (2025-2030), emphasizing quality, student experience, and sector resilience.

OfS Chair Edward Peck, former Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, welcomes the duo: 'I am delighted... as we pursue our strategy focused on being ambitious for students, collaborative... vigilant about public money.' This transition signals a shift toward more collaborative regulation post-criticisms of an 'adversarial' stance.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Navigating the Financial Storm in UK Higher Education

English universities confront severe fiscal headwinds. OfS analysis reveals nearly half (45%) projecting deficits in 2025-26, worse than May forecasts, with one in six holding under 30 days' liquidity. Factors include stagnant domestic fees since 2012 (£9,250 cap), declining international enrollments due to visa curbs, and rising costs from inflation and pension liabilities.

The OfS paused new provider registrations in 2024 to prioritize sustainability monitoring. Hannant and Payne inherit this focus, tasked with preventing market collapses that could disrupt 2.5 million students. For instance, Universities UK reports 49% of institutions closing courses amid cutbacks.

OfS financial sustainability report details these pressures, urging providers to diversify income via research commercialization and apprenticeships.

Job-Sharing: A Catalyst for Diversity and Innovation in Leadership

Job-sharing transcends convenience, offering tangible benefits in higher education. UK studies show it boosts women in senior roles—where they comprise just 27% of vice-chancellors—by accommodating family commitments without career sacrifice. A 2019 Lancaster University analysis found job-sharers deliver comparable outcomes, often with reduced burnout via shared decision-making.

• Enhanced continuity: Partners cover absences seamlessly.
• Diverse insights: Complementary skills mitigate blind spots.
• Retention: 97% of finance leaders note business benefits, per recent surveys.

Examples include Professor Parveen Yaqoob's shared deputy vice-chancellorship at Reading University, fostering collaborative governance. Hannant and Payne exemplify this at regulator level, potentially inspiring universities.

Stakeholder Reactions and Sector Expectations

Early responses are positive yet cautious. Universities UK (UUK) has not issued formal comment, but sector insiders view the appointment as stabilizing amid Labour's refocus on OfS independence. Past critiques—from a 2024 review flagging 'perceived lack of independence'—highlight needs for balanced oversight.

Student groups emphasize quality: OfS data shows 62% of graduates confident post-university, but dropout risks persist for non-A-level entrants (1 in 4). Vice-chancellors anticipate collaboration on workforce strategies and international recruitment recovery.

Times Higher Education coverage notes hopes for a 'fresh slate' post-politicization concerns.

Strategic Priorities Under New Leadership

Hannant and Payne pledge collaboration across 'higher education and skills system.' OfS strategy targets three areas: quality (e.g., value-for-money assessments), student support (mental health, outcomes), and resilience (financial modeling). Expect intensified scrutiny on low-completion courses and executive pay linked to sustainability.

Step-by-step, their tenure may involve:

1. Refining financial risk ratings for 146 high-risk providers.
2. Expanding access interventions for disadvantaged students.
3. Integrating AI ethics and employability metrics.

Implications for Universities, Colleges, and Students

For providers, anticipate proactive interventions: enhanced forecasting tools, peer reviews, and incentives for innovation like accelerated degrees. Colleges under OfS purview gain from broader FE oversight. Students benefit from protected refunds and outcome transparency via the Student Protection Plans.

Real-world case: Amid 2025 liquidity crises, OfS mandated plans at vulnerable institutions, averting disruptions. Future outlook: Stabilized finances could unlock £18bn in growth by 2030, per QS forecasts, if regulation balances challenge with support.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Era for English Higher Education

As Hannant and Payne assume roles, the OfS positions itself as 'ambitious for students, collaborative with providers.' Their job-share not only models flexible work but heralds adaptive regulation. With 1.8 million students relying on robust oversight, this duo's success could redefine leadership in turbulent times, ensuring UK higher education remains globally competitive.

For academics and administrators eyeing opportunities, platforms like AcademicJobs.com higher ed executive jobs list roles amid transitions.