Chair of new Third Sector Advisory Body announced
09 April 2008
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, today appointed Baroness Jill
Pitkeathley 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 Pitkeathley 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 Pitkeathley 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 Pitkeathley 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 (OCPA) Code of Practice. 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 Pitkeathley has declared political activity with the Labour party.
