LSE appoints new Chief Operating Officer

LSE is delighted to announce the appointment of Jane Cunliffe as the School’s next Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Jane joins LSE from the UK Department for Education (DfE), where she has been Chief Operating Officer since 2022. With a long‑standing professional association with education policy and public sector delivery, Jane has worked across several major UK government departments including senior roles as Director of Strategic Finance at the Department for Work and Pensions; Director of Public Spending at HM Treasury; and in the Cabinet Office.

Before returning to the Department for Education as Chief Operating Officer, Jane served as Chief Financial Officer at Oxfam GB, leading finance, legal, and governance functions as well as the organisation’s operational response during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her current role as COO, Jane leads functions that support both the Department for Education and the wider education and skills sector, including delivery of large-scale school building programmes.

Jane’s extensive experience in operational leadership, public finance, and large‑scale organisational management is complemented by her non‑executive and voluntary positions. She is a trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at St Mungo’s, the homelessness charity, and has previously served as a trustee of the Howard Partnership Trust, a multi‑academy trust in Surrey.

Truly distinctive institution

Commenting on the news, Jane said, “It is a huge honour to be appointed as LSE’s Chief Operating Officer. LSE is a truly distinctive institution with a global reputation for research and educational excellence that is only made possible by a dedicated, passionate and unique community of staff and students.

“I very much look forward to working with, and learning from, colleagues and students across the School to support LSE’s strategic ambitions, strengthen operational capability, and ensure we continue to provide an outstanding environment and continually improve experiences for all.”

Clear commitment to public service

Professor Larry Kramer, LSE President and Vice Chancellor, added, “I am delighted to welcome Jane to LSE and the School Management Committee as our next Chief Operating Officer, only the second in our university’s history.

“Jane brings an exceptional experience from both the government and voluntary sectors, with a clear commitment to public service that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the foundations that enable LSE’s mission. I am sure, like me, our staff and students warmly welcome Jane to our School.”