Emma French

Chief Academic Services Officer and University Secretary

Emma French joined the University of Salford in February 2023 as University Secretary and Chief Academic Services Officer. Emma’s career began in marketing as a qualified chartered marketer working in charities and small businesses. She transitioned to HE in 2008 and held various positions at previous institutions, including Academic Registrar and Director of Student Life, as well as managing postgraduate admissions.

As University Secretary for Salford, she is a university senior leader but must also be independent to advise our University Council and its Chair. The University's Secretary's Office maintains the oversight of governance and assurance across the range of Council and executive committees, supporting Emma in maintaining her independent role. As Chief Academic Services Officer, she is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the delivery of services across Registry, Legal, Governance, Marketing, Student Recruitment, and Admissions.

Emma currently co-chairs the Gender Equity Group with Mark Wantling, the Chief Infrastructure Officer. Through this, she works hard to deliver the University's commitment to gender equity through achieving our Athena SWAN Bronze award and planning the submission for the Silver award in 2027. Outside the University, Emma is the Regional Convenor for AHUA North (Association of Heads of University Administration, the representative body for senior University managers) and is a member of the AHUA Board.

Find out more about Emma French in the video below: