Joy was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester from 2006-2021. She is currently a Co-Chair of the UK Climate Commission for Higher Education and Further Education and Chair of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. She has chaired GuildHE, the Cathedrals Group of Universities and the Church of England’s Advisory Group for the Foundation for Educational Leadership and she also chaired the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) for six years. She is Patron of seven charities and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire.

Passionate about all aspects of sustainability and social justice, she has particular interests in climate change, widening participation and animal welfare. Professor Carter was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2018 for services to Higher Education.