The College Visitor is an ancient Oxford Office with its roots going back to the thirteenth century. It was established by the monarch for colleges, such as Harris Manchester, which hold a Royal Charter, although nowadays the Fellows elect their own Visitor. The Visitor is a person of high standing who serves as the ultimate legal authority to resolve disputes within the College's Governing Body or between the College and its members. The Visitor also has a ceremonial role in College functions, and may take a more general interest in the life and wellbeing of College.
Dr Saphié Ashtiany was appointed our Visitor in 2019. She is also an Honorary Fellow of College and has a long, warm and valued association with Harris Manchester. Dr Ashtiany is a distinguished lawyer and was a senior partner in a city firm. She worked closely with our former Principal, Sir Ralph Waller, to bring the College into the University in 1996 and, together with her husband Professor Paul Davies, she supports a number of College prizes in University examinations. For many years she also acted as Advisor to the Vice Chancellors and Registrars of the University.
Dr Ashtiany is Iranian by background, although her home has been in the UK since she was a child. She is a keen musician and, as well as the active interest she takes in our College, she is a supporter and trustee of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
