Balliol has begun the search for a new Master to succeed Dame Helen Ghosh DCB as she completes her term of office in 2026.
The Election is chaired by Senior Fellow Sudhir Hazareesingh (Balliol 1981, Coolidge Fellow and Tutorial Fellow in Politics, and Senior Fellow), who highlighted the breadth and impact of Dame Helen’s contributions to the College:
‘Having steered Balliol through the challenges of the pandemic, in her years as Master Dame Helen has also overseen and implemented important reviews of the College’s governance and student welfare provision, has developed the Balliol and Empire project exploring the College’s complex historical ties to different aspects of British imperialism, and has recently initiated an estates masterplan which will lead to several capital projects to preserve and improve the College for future generations.
‘Through chairing the Conference of Colleges, which acts as the forum for the colleges to handle matters of common purpose within the wider University of Oxford, Dame Helen has maintained Balliol’s long tradition of public service and active participation in University life.’
As the search for her successor begins, Dame Helen remains fully committed to her role, expressing her dedication to the College’s ongoing progress:
‘2026 seems a long way away and there is no shortage of things to be done, so I am not sitting back! One of the great pleasures is meeting our wonderful alumni at events here in Oxford and around the world, and I look forward very much to meeting you again soon.’
The recruitment process for the Mastership is managed by external consultant Odgers Berndtson, including Balliol alumna Caitlin Tickell (2012). Interested candidates or those wishing to propose potential nominees are encouraged to review the College’s Candidate Brief and contact Odgers Berndtson at: www.odgers.com/92591