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
-
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.
-
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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