VOTE CHARLIE 4 EDINBURGH
Edinburgh’s reputation has shaped much of my life and career, and I am committed to protecting and strengthening that reputation. If you feel the same, I ask for your support as I work to ensure Edinburgh remains a university we are all proud to stand behind.
Like many major universities, Edinburgh is facing financial pressures and must adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. This is a moment for careful decisions and smart modernisation, and a chance to strengthen the University’s focus, identity and international reach.
The Business Committee represents the interests of the General Council — the global community of Edinburgh graduates (that's you!) — and provides oversight and guidance to help ensure the University moves forward responsibly and with clarity.
I am standing for the Business Committee to help Edinburgh not only navigate this period, but thrive, sharpening its international profile, strengthening what it does best, and protecting the long-term value of an Edinburgh degree for alumni around the world.
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WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
The value of our degrees depends on the University’s reputation
Edinburgh is adapting to a changed global and financial environment
As alumni we can influence how the University navigates this moment
As Edinburgh graduates we carry the University’s name for life. Its reputation shapes the value of our degrees, the doors that open for us, and how our achievements are perceived around the world.
Today Edinburgh faces real financial pressures and is making important decisions about its future direction. These choices will influence research strengths, global partnerships, and the University’s standing for decades to come.
Alumni have a voice in this process through the General Council. This election is your chance to help ensure Edinburgh remains strong, respected, and globally relevant.
THE PRINCIPAL'S PLAN
Sir Peter Mathieson, the principal and vice-chancellor, has set out a clear explanation of why Edinburgh, like many UK universities, is under financial pressure. Flat public funding, sharply rising costs, international competition, and a recent decline in global student demand are challenges that the whole sector is facing. For Edinburgh today, that has manifested in a budget deficit of $140m a year. To respond responsibly, the University is launching a long-term plan as part of its Strategy 2030, to restore financial sustainability. It is built around five workstreams that together aim to strengthen the University for the world we live in now.
Teaching & Learning
Reviewing how programmes are structured, delivered, and supported — ensuring high-quality education while removing duplication, updating outdated models, and focusing on areas of clear strength.
Research & Innovation
Protecting and enhancing the research areas where Edinburgh leads globally, while improving how research is supported, funded, and aligned to long-term strategy.
Staff & Staff Costs
Staff costs are the University’s largest expense. The plan includes shaping a staff body of the right size and structure for the future, supported by voluntary severance where appropriate, and reforming overly devolved or duplicated functions.
Buildings & Estates
Reviewing all capital projects for affordability, improving how space is used, reducing energy and maintenance costs, and disposing of assets no longer aligned with the University’s priorities.
Operating Costs
Reducing everyday costs by improving procurement, sharing equipment more effectively, reducing printing and paper use, and streamlining the number of systems used across the University.
THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The Business Committee:
Represents all alumni through the General Council
Provides oversight and advice to University leadership
Ensures decisions support long-term reputation and sustainability
The Business Committee represents the interests of the General Council — the global community of Edinburgh alumni (that is you!). Its role is to provide constructive oversight, challenge, and advice to the University’s leadership.
It reviews major developments, raises issues on behalf of graduates, and helps ensure decisions are made responsibly and with long-term stewardship in mind.
In moments of change, the Committee’s voice is especially important. It is one of the ways we can stay connected, informed, and influential in the University’s future.
MY COMMITMENTS
If elected, my focus will be clear - supporting Edinburgh to make strong, future-focused decisions that protect its global standing and the value of our degrees.
Support Thoughtful modernisation
Backing the University's strategic direction while insisting on smart, transparent implementation.
Strengthen our International profile
Strengthening global partnerships, recruitment, and reputation.
Protect our academic reputation
Ensuring that changes preserve research excellence and the student experience.
Stand for alumni interests
Keeping the lifelong value of an Edinburgh degree at the centre of every discussion.
About Me
I graduated from Edinburgh in 1995, and the University has shaped much of my life and career. I currently serve as Operations Director for Executive Education at Harvard Business School, where I support academic governance, and help maintain the financial sustainability of the oldest university in the US. My earlier career includes senior leadership roles in consulting and technology firms. I worked across the UK, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, strengthening organisations, supporting research and innovation, and leading multi-site operations.
I hold an MBA, I’m a Chartered Director (CDir), and I’m completing a Master’s in International Relations with a focus on global governance and international systems. My work has always centred on collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and supporting institutions to adapt thoughtfully in times of change.
Edinburgh opened doors for me, and I want to help ensure it continues to do the same for future generations.
How to Vote for the University of Edinburgh General Council Business Committee
Need Help?
Email me at Charlie@Charlie4Edinburgh.org, tell me where you are stuck and I will get back to you.
Voting is open from 12 January to 10 February, 2026.
When you graduated from Edinburgh, you automatically became eligible to vote. All voting is online and you have until 10 February 2026 to cast your vote. To receive your personal voting link, the University needs your current email address on file.
Check you inbox and your spam folder for your email which was sent on 12 January.
from: Civica Election Services <takepart@cesvotes.com>
subject: The University of Edinburgh - Business Committee Elections, February 2026
If you received your email, all you need to do is click the link, review the profiles of the candidates, and submit your vote. That is two minutes well spent strengthening the voice of alumni and helping to secure Edinburgh's future. And don't forget to tell your Edinburgh friends and colleagues.
If you didn't receive the email, and you are an Edinburgh graduate, the University may not have the right email address for you.
Don't panic!
Scroll down and fill in the Alumni Email Update Request form. It will generate a simple email for you to send to alumni relations, requesting they update your email and send you a new voting link. It can take a few days to get a response, so don't delay!