Meet your new staff governors

Results have been confirmed following the recent staff governor elections.

After a month-long election period, Rachel McCloskey from the Faculty of Society and Culture secured the most votes and won in the professional services election, while in the academic election Professor Carol Cox-Forshaw secured the most votes and won.

They will serve on the Board of Governors for the next three years and will attend the next Board of Governors meeting on 5 October 2026.

About Rachel McCloskey

Rachel has worked at LJMU for more than 30 years, building extensive experience across a range of professional services roles. Beginning her career at the university as a reception advisor, she has held positions including programme administrator, admissions officer, exams officer, team leader and, most recently, Academic Administration Manager within the Faculty of Society and Culture. 

This breadth of experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the university and the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across a wide range of functions and disciplines.

Rachel is honoured to have been elected to the Board of Governors and grateful for the support shown by her colleagues. Having recently completed a three-year term on Academic Board, she was keen to continue contributing to the university's governance and strategic development. 

She brings to the role significant institutional knowledge, a strong understanding of the university's operations and a firm commitment to its values, mission and long-term success. 

Rachel looks forward to working with fellow governors to help shape the future direction of the university and support its continued success for students, staff and the wider community.

About Professor Carol Cox-Forshaw

Carol returned to Liverpool and LJMU six years ago, having previously served as Head of Forensic Sciences at another university and spent 13 years with Merseyside Police. 

She currently leads the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies at LJMU, where she supports more than 1,500 students across policing, forensics, investigations and related disciplines.

Carol applied to become a governor because of her strong commitment to LJMU's mission as a civic university and her belief in its power to transform lives. As an alum who has lived in Liverpool for most of her life, her connection to the institution is both personal and professional. 

Her experience as a governor at Hugh Baird College, together with her role as a family magistrate in Liverpool, has strengthened her independent judgement and her ability to provide effective oversight and constructive challenge, skills she would bring directly to the role. 

She is particularly passionate about widening participation and ensuring that higher education is accessible to people from underrepresented backgrounds who may never otherwise view university as an option.