16 December 2025 
Tamsin Lester, CUBO-UUK Code Support Officer
Compliance, Assurance & Scrutiny Board Member Profile for December
Meet Teresa Strike, University of Oxford
Hello - I am delighted to have joined the CAS Board. I am still finding my feet and discovering exactly what I’ve signed up for, but so far, the experience has been both engaging and rewarding.
I have worked in student accommodation for more than 15 years. My career began at one of the oldest colleges at the University of Oxford, and I now work at one of the newest. Although the Oxford collegiate system differs from that of most large universities, our core focus remains the same: providing safe, compliant, and welcoming spaces for our students.
I am currently the Domestic Bursar at Green Templeton College, where I oversee the majority of non-academic services. My portfolio includes security, accommodation, housekeeping, gardens and grounds, IT, estates maintenance, and capital projects. I am passionate about ensuring students feel at home in their accommodation, and I greatly value the essential contribution made by the many professionals across our sector.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is working on capital projects—designing student accommodation that will remain functional, relevant, and supportive of student needs for decades to come. While the expectations of students have evolved significantly over the years, the fundamentals remain unchanged: value for money, safety, comfort, and an environment that enhances the overall educational experience.
Having attended several Code conferences over the years, I have always found them to be invaluable for gaining knowledge and sharing best practice. This inspired me to give something back by joining the Board—though I am still deciding whether that was wise!
The new updated Code in 2025 covers everything from fire safety, to wellbeing to governance and everything in between, which shows how important our roles are within this sector.
I have been warmly welcomed by the team and am very much looking forward to reviewing the audits in the spring.
