Durham, England, United Kingdom, October 2025 — Nic Johnston has been appointed as the Chief People Officer at Durham University, furthering her distinguished career in human resources and employment law. With more than two decades of experience, Johnston brings a blend of academic leadership, legal expertise, and HR strategy to her new role.
Johnston has been an integral part of Durham University for over a decade, serving in multiple leadership positions. Most recently, she was Deputy Director of HR & Employment Lawyer, where she provided strategic leadership across HR functions and supported organizational transformation. Before that, she served as Assistant Director of HR & Employment Lawyer, contributing to the university’s people agenda and workforce strategy.
Prior to joining Durham University, Johnston spent nine years at Pinsent Masons as a Senior Associate in Employment Law, advising clients on complex employment law matters and representing them in critical negotiations. This experience sharpened her legal acumen and provided her with a strong foundation for managing employee relations and compliance in large organizations.
Earlier in her career, Johnston worked with Hempsons as an Employment Solicitor and Trainee Solicitor, where she developed expertise in advisory work, litigation, and legal frameworks related to employment. Her career journey reflects a deep commitment to both law and human resources, making her uniquely suited to lead the people function at Durham University.
With her appointment as Chief People Officer, Johnston is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s HR strategy, fostering a culture of excellence, and strengthening its position as a leading academic institution in the UK.
About Durham University
Durham University is one of the UK’s leading universities, recognized globally for its teaching, research, and student experience. Beyond its academic excellence, the university fosters a vibrant community and offers a wide variety of roles and career opportunities, making it a key hub of activity both regionally and nationally. Through its commitment to innovation and inclusion, Durham University continues to inspire students and staff to achieve outstanding outcomes.
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