New Chief People Officer announced at UCL

UCL is delighted to announce the appointment of Donna Dalrymple as Chief People Officer. Donna moves into the role on a permanent basis after covering the position on an interim basis for the past 6 months following the departure of Matthew Blain.  

Donna joined UCL in 2016 and has held several leadership roles within HR across the university’s faculties and Professional Services divisions, including Director of HR Business Partnering between 2019-2022. Prior to joining UCL, Donna previously held HR Director roles within the Further Education Sector following a significant HR career within the NHS, including working at UCLH as an HR Business Partner and then heading their Employee Relations function.  

As Chief People Officer, Donna will lead the strategic direction of the HR function and own the wider people agenda within UCL. She will be responsible for the operational efficiency of the HR function and for ensuring that the right people strategies are in place to deliver against UCL’s priorities.

Within UCL Donna has also been a great champion of EDI: co-leading the UCL Gender Steering Group; creating the Accelerate to Leadership positive action scheme for BAME future leaders and collaborating on the development of UCL Race Equality Implementation plan.  

In response to her appointment Donna said:  

“I am absolutely delighted to be confirmed in role as UCL’s Chief People Officer. UCL is a wonderful institution with talented people, which makes this role even more special. I am privileged to work with great teams of people in the HR Division and with them I am looking forward to leading the people agenda and keeping our staff at the heart of what we do.  

“I am particularly keen to connect the wider HR community across the university together, so we can support the needs of our people as a collaborative and cohesive professional service – regardless of whether we are within a central, faculty or departmental team. I will also focus on continuing the work to ensure our staff are supported, developed, and motivated to be able to do their best and be themselves.” 

UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence said: 

“Our staff are the foundation of what we do at UCL, and it is vital that everyone who works here feels that this is a place where they can grow as both a person and a professional.  

“I am extremely delighted that Donna will continue in her role as Chief People Officer, as she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will only help take UCL’s HR functions forward and ensure our staff feel supported. I look forward to working with Donna in a continued capacity and drawing on her expertise.”