Dr Sophie Carney is passionate about higher education, with 16 years of experience on every side of the table – as student, researcher, lecturer, and student services manager.
Having spent over ten years working in higher education as an academic and in student support services, Dr Sophie Carney was keen to continue her career by supporting the sector to recruit transformative leaders.
As the Principal Consultant for Higher Education Appointments in Peridot’s Education Practice, Sophie leads on the appointment of executive, academic and professional services leaders across the higher education sector. Sophie also leads on the recruitment of outstanding talent to the governing councils, boards and committees of higher education providers, universities and other sector bodies, with a track record of appointing chairs, vice chairs, independent members, non-executive directors and committee members.
Higher education has provided Sophie with many opportunities for personal and professional development. She enjoys working with clients and candidates who are equally driven by their passion for the opportunities and transformative impact of higher education on the lives of thousands of students.
When she’s not at work, you will most likely find Sophie walking her cockapoo, Bella, along the River Trent, browsing around the antique shops of Newark, or wading through a pile of historical fiction novels and art history tomes.
Approachable, insightful, and passionate about education, Sophie brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to each appointment she leads. Her deep understanding of the sector and commitment to supporting educational leadership make her a trusted advisor and consultant to transform leadership and inspire change across the higher education sector.
Talk to Sophie about:
“The team at Peridot were excellent. Through our meetings as part of a competitive pitch process, the board felt a personal connection to their values and their friendly and professional approach. The Institute was going through a dynamic change, and Drew and Sophie’s knowledge of the sector meant that we felt very comfortable they could meet our brief. They were, as to be expected, clearly expert in their field but, importantly, also engaging, collegiate and easy to deal with. We were delighted with our appointed candidate and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Peridot Partners to find a first-rate leader in the Higher Education field.”
Chairman, Jersey Institute of Law on the appointment of Dean & Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sophie Carney's selected track record
Executive Leadership Appointments
Bishop Grosseteste University | Vice Chancellor and CEO and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations),
Cambridge Muslim College | Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Law Jersey | Dean and Chief Executive Officer
Northern College of Acupuncture | Principal and CEO
University College of Estate Management | Chief Operating Officer
Unite Foundation | Interim Director
Non-executive appointments
Bishop Grosseteste University | Chair of Governing Council and Governing Council Members
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) | Board Director x3 and Honorary Treasurer
Newcastle University | Lay Members of Council
University of Derby | Chair of Council, Vice Chair of Council and Remuneration Committee Chair, Chair of Skills Committee, Council and Committee Members
University of Northampton | Chair of the Board of Governors and Independent Governor
Download our higher education recruitment brochure.Leadership Appointments
Bishop Grosseteste University | Chief Data Officer and Chief Finance Officer
Birmingham City University | Assistant Director, Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement
Bournemouth University | Senior Regulatory Lawyer and Deputy Clerk to the Board
Cambridge Muslim College | Development & Communications Director, HR Manager, Registrar and Head of Administration
Gresham College | Head of Fundraising & Engagement
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | Head of Employer Engagement
National Institute of Teaching | Director of Registry Services
Queen Mary, University of London | Research Impact Manager
Robinson College | Domestic Bursar and Development Director
University College of Estate Management | Director of Academic Development
University of Derby | Director of Academic and Student Services, Head of Student Services, Head of Admissions, Head of Quality, Head of Business Engagement and Employability, Head of School of Arts and Head of School, Humanities and Journalism, Head of Postgraduate Recruitment, Head of Development
“Our Peridot lead, Dr Sophie Carney, was very engaging, keeping to timescales, giving regular feedback and updates and keeping us abreast with what is happening with the searches regularly. They have done a fantastic job identifying suitable candidates and exploring the diverse market we wanted to focus on.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean, University of Derby, on the recruitment of Head of School of Humanities & Journalism
“Sophie was excellent throughout the selection process. Friendly, supportive and knowledgeable, I felt really well prepared for both the written application and interview. I felt that Sophie really wanted the best outcome for both myself and the hiring organisation and acted with care and professionalism throughout.”
Candidate for the Governing Council of a University
