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Government announces Chair of new Third Sector Advisory Body

9 April 2008
CAB/047/08

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, today appointed Baroness Jill Pitkeathly OBE as the Chair of the new Office of the Third Sector's (OTS) Advisory Body. Reporting to the Minister her role will be to drive forward the work of the Body, and be an honest broker and informed voice for the sector.

Baroness Pitkeathly has a comprehensive knowledge of issues affecting the third sector and has an excellent track record of working with Government in this way. She has demonstrated she has the leadership and influencing qualities needed to get the best from a diverse group of strong and knowledgeable individuals.

The new Advisory Body is being created to advise Ministers and the OTS in overseeing the implementation of the Third Sector Review commitments and priorities. Member interviews begin early next month.

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

“I am looking forward to working with Jill, as she has demonstrated she has the enthusiasm and experience to do a great job in this new role. The calibre of candidates for the position was outstanding, and that in itself is a tribute to the importance of the third sector in government.

The government is committed to driving forward the development plan set out in the Third Sector Review, which included the promise of the Advisory Body.”

Baroness Pitkeathly said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as chair of the OTS Advisory Body. No matter which part of the third sector you are associated with this is an exciting and challenging time. I look forward to working with colleagues from all organisations both local and national, small and large, and the rest of the panel when it is appointed, to ensure that the voice of our sector is as strong as possible.”

The appointment will be until March 2011. The position has remuneration of £10,000 per year. Baroness Pitkeathly is also chair of CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). This appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments [External website] (OCPA) Code of Practice [External website]. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if declared) to be made public. Baroness Pitkeathly has declared political activity with the Labour party.

Notes to Editors

1. The Office of the Third Sector leads work across government to support the environment for a thriving third sector (voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, charities, cooperatives and mutuals), enabling the sector to campaign for change, deliver public services, promote social enterprise and strengthen communities. Further information on OTS and the Third Sector Review is available on their website.
2. The OTS Advisory Body will act as an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). It will be fully staffed for May, with members who will also be involved in interpreting and developing policy, adding practical advice on live issues.

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