Email: sophie.holland-francis@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347232
As Principal of Ustinov College, I am responsible for leading the implementation of the University strategy within the College, leadership of a cohesive and distinctive College based scholarly community and active participation in fundraising, stewardship and the green development of the College premises and facilities.
Prior to joining Ustinov College in August 2023, Sophie worked at Collingwood College as their Student Experience Officer. Sophie has over ten years of experience in education, with five of those years spent in international education. It is her unwavering passion to advocate for student enrichment and the benefits of learning outside of the traditional classroom. She's dedicated to providing a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, arts, and culture, to ensure that every member of the Ustinov community has a fun and enhanced educational journey.
Email: jamie.short@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347233
As Vice Principal of Ustinov College, Jamie is responsible for leading the implementation of the University strategy within the College, leadership of a cohesive and distinctive College based scholarly community and active participation in fundraising, stewardship and the green development of the College premises and facilities. Jamie shares his role equally between Stephenson and Ustinov Colleges.
Jamie shares his role equally between Stephenson and Ustinov Colleges.
Jamie has worked at Durham University for 14 years, spending the majority of that time at University College. He primarily held the role of Food and Beverage Service Head, alongside periods as Operations Manager and Vice-Principal, giving him experience across a wide range of College life and operations.
Email: paula.furness@durham.ac.uk or ustinov.studentsupport@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347171
Paula is responsible for the student support, membership, admissions and accommodation in the College. They support College alumni relations and engagement activities and also oversee the College Office Team.
Paula joined us from University College.
Email: craig.mawson@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347172
Craig can be found in the Management Office and am available weekdays, during office hours. I manage everything to do with the financial and operational side of the college, supported by an Operations Team Leader who leads teams that look after the hospitality, services and domestic functions. The café and bar staff, the porters and the housekeepers are all committed to providing the highest quality of service.
Craig joined Ustinov College in November 2022. Upon graduating from Northumbria University in 2015, he entered a Graduate Management Scheme for a major public transport company and worked in operations management for seven years.
Email: hazel.m.cheung@durham.ac.uk
Email: ustinov.college@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347241
The College Administration Coordinator (CAC) serves as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, including students, faculty, and departments. The CAC provides secretarial support to the College Management Team, encompassing tasks from minute-taking to diary management. Their responsibilities extend to the comprehensive organisation for the College, administering all scholarship awards and playing a crucial role in warmly welcoming and registering new students and visiting fellows throughout the academic year.
Emma joined Ustinov College in October 2026, having previously worked in the University’s Apprenticeships Unit. Prior to joining the University, she completed a degree in Human Resource Management.
Email: ustinov.studentsupport@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347235
Our Assistant Student Support Officer are available to discuss any issues you may have, including, mental health, finance, welfare and academic; especially where these issues are impacting on your studies.
Email: ustinov.admissions@durham.ac.uk or ustinov.accommodation@durham.ac.uk
Gemma monitors the Ustinov Accommodation and Admissions mailboxes and responds to enquiries in that area; secondly, they support accommodation allocation and contributing to relevant communications and promotions; finally, they assist the Assistant Student Support and Assistant Principal.
Gemma joined the college office in June 2026 moving from Collingwood College.
Email: sarah.s.gallagher@durham.ac.uk
Rebecca joined Ustinov College in 2026.
Email: ustinov.operations@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3347174
Nigel support the College Operations Manager in the delivery of the College’s Operational strategy, with particular responsibility for the management of operational activities across Sheraton Park and Dryburn Court.
He makes sure that college facilities and services run smoothly and he also oversees the day to day line management of Housekeeping, Residential Services Assistant and Reception staff. He ensures that a high level service level is maintained and that the Operations Team are focused on delivering a quality student experience.
My usual office hours are 07:00 – 15:00 and I am based in the Operations Office at Neville House.
Nigel joined Ustinov College in May 2023.
Email: ustinov.reception@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3345470
Anna is the first point of contact for reception services and administration of the front-desk, including welcome service, professionally greeting students, staff, visitors and contractors and providing support, assistance, directions and information.
Anna also provide administrative support to the Operations Team to ensure the effective running of the College and its buildings to enhance the student experience.
She is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 - 16:00 and is based at the Reception Desk in Sheraton House, Sheraton Park.
Email: ustinov.housekeeping@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3345540
Reporting to the College Operations Team Leader, Julie is responsible for overseeing and carrying out the daily servicing of study rooms and communal areas, achieving high levels of efficiency, organisation and communication. In the absence of the College Operations Team Leader, she acts as first point of contact for residents, Housekeeping staff, Porters and College Staff who have any queries regarding housekeeping.
Other accountabilities include supporting the Housekeeping staff in delivering a consistent, high quality cleaning standard; taking an active/hands on approach to daily cleaning tasks; auditing the team performance with a view to make recommendations and implement changes and improvements.
The Housekeeping Team work hard to clean and service study-bedrooms, offices and common areas of the College for students and commercial visitors.
The team are responsible for cleaning and housekeeping services for both student and guest accommodation and conference meeting rooms. The team ensures that Service Level Agreements are maintained, with particular attention to student and customer comfort and satisfaction.
Email: ustinov.porters@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3345470 or 07824131678
The duty RSA is the key liaison officer for the College at most times but especially out of office hours and at weekends. The duty Porter ensures the general safety and security of all students, staff and visitors who may be impacted upon by the operations of the College.
College Porters are also required to carry out routine maintenance and safety critical tasks when on duty, either individually or as part of a team.
A RSA is available at Sheraton Park 24 hours per day and can be contacted on 0191 3345470 or 07824131678
A RSA is available at Dryburn Court, based at Keenan House 24 hours a day and can be contacted on 0191 3345170 or 07825523735
Find out more about life at Ustinov College.
Sheraton Park Durham DH1 4FL
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 5470
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