Ben is a dynamic and values-driven senior leader with over 20 years of experience in Higher Education, specialising in Registry Services, academic governance, and student experience. As Director of Registry Services at Cardiff Metropolitan University (2018–2024), Ben led a team of 60 staff and managed a £3 million budget, overseeing the entire student lifecycle for over 20,000 students. His leadership transformed registry operations through digital modernisation, structural streamlining, and a commitment to student-centered service. Notably, he spearheaded major policy reforms, enhancing academic regulations, student complaints, and appeals processes to align with sector best practices and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) framework.

Previously, as Deputy Director of Student and Academic Administration, Ben introduced pivotal changes to assessment governance, student communications, and graduation ceremonies—ensuring a more seamless and celebratory student experience. His expertise in risk management and regulatory compliance positioned him as an influential voice in the sector, including his involvement in the Office for Students’ Data Futures Review and the UK-wide advisory group on contract cheating.

Beyond institutional leadership, Ben has had a lasting impact on the UK Higher Education sector through his role as Chair of the Academic Registrars’ Council (2022–2024). Under his leadership, ARC achieved record engagement, increased sector influence, and transitioned to a charitable incorporated organization (CIO). He played a key role in national policy discussions, contributing to UUK advisory groups on racial harassment, student misconduct, and data-sharing protocols. He was also the keynote chair of the Westminster Insight conference on Student Complaints for three consecutive years. Ben also wrote the forward for the Compassionate Communication in HE documents born from the Higher Education Mental Health Implementation Taskforce (HEMHIT). Ben has also collaborated with leading EdTech providers, leveraging technology to enhance student services, streamline operations, and drive innovation in Higher Education.

Ben’s leadership is defined by a passion for strategic thinking, operational excellence, and improving student and staff experiences. He is a trained QAA Reviewer for Quality Enhancement Reviews in Wales and an advocate for compassionate communication in Higher Education, having authored the foreword to the sector-wide guidance on this topic.

Ben holds an MBA and a BA (Hons) from Glasgow Caledonian University, where he previously served as Student President. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer, a devoted supporter of Scotland Rugby and Dundee United, and enjoys spending quality time with his family.