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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary welcomes next British Council Chair [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary welcomes next British Council Chair [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2023.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s statement, welcoming Dr Paul Thompson as the next Chair of the British Council.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    I am pleased the British Council trustees have elected Paul Thompson as the next Chair of the British Council.

    Paul brings extensive experience to the role, including from his time as Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art.

    I am also very grateful to Sarah Sands for her work and contribution to the British Council during her time as Acting Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia has increasingly used this Council as a platform for propaganda and disinformation – UK statement at the Security Council [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia has increasingly used this Council as a platform for propaganda and disinformation – UK statement at the Security Council [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Working Methods of the Security Council.

    President, let me start by congratulating you on assuming the Presidency and wishing you a very productive month of September. I also start by thanking Albania for your role as Chair of the Informal Working Group, for your team’s excellent stewardship of this important topic.

    On the 17th January 1946, the Security Council held its first meeting in Church House, in Westminster in the United Kingdom. In the 77 years since, the Council has worked to discharge its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

    Dag Hammarskjold, of course, said it best: “The UN was created not to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell”. For all its faults, fractures and inefficiencies, the Council continues to play a vital role. It has outlasted the League of Nations by 51 years, it has helped to prevent a third world war.

    Our vision remains for a Council that is able to solve problems through interactive debate, building consensus, responsible and inclusive penholdership, and decisions that have real impact on the ground.

    Realising this means looking ahead to forthcoming threats to peace and security and being proactive in preventing conflict or deterring escalation, using all the tools at the Council’s disposal.

    It means tackling issues head on, even where they are uncomfortable for some.

    It means hearing from genuine experts, including Civil Society, who can enrich our deliberations.

    It also means striking a balance between transparency and confidentiality.

    Sometimes the Council is most effective when it holds frank discussions in private – when it does so we should strive to agree press elements in the interest of transparency.

    And it means, most importantly, that Council members have a responsibility to uphold the UN Charter.

    It is 50 years since the UK last unilaterally vetoed a Council resolution. We are glad that GA resolution 76/262 has helped secure transparency and accountability when a permanent member blocks action to maintain international peace and security.

    President, by invading its sovereign neighbour and engaging in a brutal war of aggression, one permanent member has shown a flagrant disregard for the Charter.

    In attempting to defend the indefensible, Russia has increasingly used this Council as a platform for propaganda and disinformation. It has requested briefers on the basis of their willingness to defend or distract from Russian aggression and it has allowed its narrative to seep into other important issues on the Council’s agenda.

    It is incumbent on all of us to maintain the authority, integrity and legitimacy of this Council. All the more so when the actions of one permanent member threaten this.

    President, we will continue to work with you in your capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group, and collectively with colleagues around this table, to maximise the Council’s effectiveness and to uphold the UN Charter.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens defence export ties with Poland [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens defence export ties with Poland [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 September 2023.

    The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.

    • Defence Minister James Cartlidge attends Poland’s largest defence trade show.
    • UK deepening defence ties with key Nato Ally, building on furthering of cooperation with Poland through export contracts and deployments.
    • Celebrating positive step in Poland’s NAREW ground-based air defence programme.

    The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.

    The largest defence trade fair in Poland, attracting delegations from across the world, MSPO brings together nations to collaborate on, discuss and view some of the world’s leading defence equipment, capabilities and ambitions.

    During the visit, Cartlidge met with the Head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, and Deputy Defence Minister Michał Wiśniewski, and engaged a number of the UK’s key Defence companies displaying at the event – including MBDA, Babcock and BAE Systems. Cartlidge discussed how the UK defence industry can further support the Polish Armed Forces through future defence exports and deployments.

    The UK and Poland are historic defence partners and NATO Allies and will continue to work closely together on key strategic defence programmes, including Poland’s air defence programme, supporting the economies of both nations.

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

    Poland is one of our closest Allies and a key strategic partner as we work together to bolster European security in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    Through crucial defence export programmes, we continue to support Poland’s defence modernisation plans, as they strengthen their defence capabilities.

    Earlier this year, the UK and Poland announced the first stage of a programme to deliver the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) to Poland in a £1.9 billion contract – the largest ever defence export contract between the two nations.

    In a contract supporting hundreds of jobs across the UK and Poland delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, UK firm MBDA completed the landmark deal with the Polish government in April 2023, agreeing to provide Poland with cutting-edge, ground-based-air-defence capabilities that will protect the country for generations to come.

    Today, at MSPO, the Polish government signed an agreement with Polish defence company PGZ, paving the way for Poland to develop another enhanced ground-based air defence system called NAREW, again in co-operation with MBDA.

    The UK welcomes the news that the executive agreement on NAREW has been signed between the Polish Ministry of National Defence and PGZ. This is a critical milestone in this important air defence programme which the UK MOD continues to support.

    This visit also builds on the UK-Polish Defence Treaty and the UK–Poland Defence and Security Strategic Partnership 2030 announced in July this year, which will be of long-term benefit to the defence, jobs and skills of both nations, strengthening bi-lateral relations.

    The UK and Poland are close Allies, with hundreds of British troops deployed to the country at any one time. That includes the recent deployments of Challenger 2 tanks and Sky Sabre air defence systems to Poland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local areas supported to progress onshore windfarms [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local areas supported to progress onshore windfarms [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 5 September 2023.

    New changes that come into effect today will help supportive communities take forward onshore wind projects.

    • New changes that come into effect today will help supportive communities take forward onshore wind projects
    • Measures will promote approaches that speed up the planning process so renewable energy is generated quicker
    • Supportive residents able to reap the benefits of cheaper energy bills

    Onshore wind projects supported by local people will be approved more quickly in England, in new measures being brought forward by the Government today.

    The Government has now streamlined planning rules, meaning local areas have a greater say in how onshore wind projects should be considered, ultimately resulting in electricity bill savings and increased national energy security.

    The measures include broadening the ways that suitable locations can be identified, including by communities, and speeding up the process of allocating sites by giving alternatives to the local plan process. This will ensure the whole community has a say, not just a small number of objectors – paving the way for more onshore wind projects to come online where they have community support.

    This will mean local policy on onshore wind continues to be decided by elected local councillors, accountable to local people, and plans are taken forward where they can demonstrate local support and address planning impacts identified by the community.

    Communities backing local wind farms could also benefit from cheaper energy under proposals to incentivise more projects announced today. The Government has consulted on proposals for improved benefits and rewards for communities backing onshore wind farms and will set out next steps this Autumn.

    Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

    To increase our energy security and develop a cleaner, greener economy, we are introducing new measures to allow local communities to back onshore wind power projects.

    This will only apply in areas where developments have community support, but these changes will help build on Britain’s enormous success as a global leader in offshore wind, helping us on our journey to Net Zero.

    Secretary of State for Energy Secretary and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho said:

    The Energy Bill is the most significant piece of energy legislation in a generation and will help us provide a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy system for the UK.

    Renewables are a crucial part of our energy transition. They accounted for just 7% of our electricity generation in 2010, and almost 48% in the first quarter of this year. The UK is already home to the world’s four largest offshore wind farms, and we have invested and made available over £1 billion for Sizewell C – the first direct state backing of a nuclear project in over 30 years.

    Onshore wind also has a key role to play and these changes will help speed up the delivery of projects where local communities want them.

    In its response to the consultation, the Government has confirmed today:

    • Communities are able to bring forward proposals for onshore wind – planning policy will be changed to make clear onshore wind developments can be identified in several ways rather than through local plans. This includes through Local Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.
    • Councils should consider the views of the whole community, rather than a small minority, when considering a planning application. This includes addressing the planning impact of onshore wind projects as identified by local communities.

    Renewable energies fuelled 42% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2022, up from 7% in 2010. However, the Government knows it must go further and faster to generate the clean and renewable energy the country needs.

    These changes to the National Planning Policy Framework build on the progress already made to expand renewables which has seen more than £120 billion investment since 2010, kickstarting new industries like floating offshore wind and tidal power.

    The announcement comes as the Energy Bill returns to Parliament, the most significant piece of energy legislation in a generation. The Bill will provide a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy system that is fit for the future.

    The Government will respond in full to the National Planning Policy Framework later this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government announces new welfare reforms to help thousands into work [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government announces new welfare reforms to help thousands into work [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 September 2023.

    Disabled people and those with health conditions, who are currently being held back from improving their lives through work, will be better supported to realise their potential under Government plans unveiled today.

    • As part of Government’s mission to support more people into work, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today launched a consultation on changes to the Work Capability Assessment, following the landmark Health and Disability White Paper published earlier this year
    • Changes represent the next step in welfare reform, reflecting the rise of flexible and home working and better employer support for disabled people and people with health conditions
    • Changes also reflect that one in five of those with no work preparation requirements would like to work at some point in the future, with the right support

    A consultation, launched today (Tuesday 5 September), will consider changes to the Work Capability Assessment, with proposals to ensure it is delivering the right outcomes for supporting those most in need.

    The consultation will look at updating the Work Capability Assessment’s categories so they better reflect the modern world of work and the opportunities more readily available to disabled people.

    Earlier this year, Government confirmed investment worth £2 billion to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into work, while delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy. Today’s consultation will go further to facilitate appropriate work opportunities for people, by reviewing a range of categories in the assessment – representing its first significant update since 2011.

    These categories are designed to determine what activity people can do and how that affects their ability to work. This then informs assessors’ decisions on what additional financial support people can receive through their benefits, and if claimants need to do anything to prepare themselves for work.

    The consultation’s proposals include updating the categories associated with mobility and social interaction, reflecting improved employer support in recent years for flexible and home working – and minimising the risk of these issues causing problems for workers.

    Those who were found capable of work preparation activity in light of the proposed changes would receive tailored support, safely helping them to move closer to work and ensuring a significant proportion of people are not automatically excluded from the support available.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP said:

    Work transforms lives – providing not just greater financial security, but also providing purpose that has the power to benefit individuals, their families, and their communities.

    That’s why we’re doing everything we can to help more people thrive in work – by reflecting the complexity of people’s health needs, helping them take advantage of modern working environments, and connecting them to the best support available.

    The steps we’re taking today will ensure no one is held back from reaching their full potential through work, which is key to ensuring our economy is growing and fit for the future.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said:

    Health assessments haven’t been reviewed in more than a decade and don’t reflect the realities of the world of work today. That’s why we’re consulting on reforms which will mean that many of those currently excluded from the labour market can realise their ambition of working.

    Anyone helped towards work through these proposals would receive appropriate support tailored to their individual circumstances, allowing them to safely access the life-changing impacts that work can provide.

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

    Across the country, businesses are crying out for workers to fill job vacancies.  Being employed has many positive benefits for people, so it makes sense to help everyone who wants to work to find a good job that meets their needs and personal circumstances.

    Employers understand this and want to be as flexible as possible to assist. To be effective, it’s crucial that, both sides, have the right support in place for as long as needed to help people find work, stay in work and have fulfilling careers.

    The Government is spending £25.9 billion on incapacity benefits this year, a 62% real-terms rise on 2013/14 (£15.9 billion), with current projections predicting a further 13% real-terms rise to £29.3 billion – with an extra 500,000 people coming onto these benefits – by 2027/28 if nothing changes.

    This is fuelled in large part by the proportion of new claimants for incapacity benefits assessed as the highest possible award (no work-related requirements) rising from 21% in 2011 to 65% in 2022.

    The Work Capability Assessment is being reviewed to ensure it reflects the latest opportunities for employment support, so that growing numbers of people are not missing out on the help available, particularly given the known health benefits from working. This is especially important when research shows that one in five of them would like to work at some point in the future.

    Representing the latest step to support people with health conditions into work, this follows last year’s milestone of getting over one million more disabled people into employment compared to five years ago.

    Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Tom Pursglove MP added:

    I am incredibly passionate about supporting disabled people to have the most fulfilling life possible, including through work, and these proposals would enable us to provide help to people who could benefit greatly from it.

    We will continue to look at ways to safely support more disabled people into work, unlocking all the positive wellbeing benefits that brings, whilst meeting the Prime Minister’s pledge to grow the economy.

    These proposed changes, due to come into force in 2025, come as part of the Government’s wider multi-billion pound plan to tackle inactivity and boost economic growth.

    One of the measures the Government is also consulting on is the substantial risk category, where claimants who would otherwise be capable of work-related activity are excluded from work preparation requirements, on the basis that this could put them at risk to themselves or others.

    The consultation will consider whether the application of this category is being applied too broadly, in turn excluding a significant number of vulnerable people from support that would prepare them to move closer to work, financial independence and a more fulfilling life.

    This cohort could also benefit from the Government’s £2 billion investment to help those with long-term illnesses and disabilities get into work, and also from funding for work coaches to help people who need further support.

    This includes the new Universal Support programme, which will help disabled people and people with health conditions by matching them with vacancies and providing support and training to help them start and stay in that role.

    The Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care programme is part of this scheme, with £58 million being invested to help more than 25,000 people in this group start and stay in work.

    The DWP is also currently running a consultation on occupational health, which is looking at ways to encourage employers to expand their occupational health offer.

    And the Spring 2023 Budget provided around £250 million of funding to modernise and digitise mental health services in England, providing wellness and clinical apps, piloting cutting-edge digital therapies and digitising the NHS Talking Therapies programme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Autumn Statement 2023 date confirmed [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Autumn Statement 2023 date confirmed [September 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 5 September 2023.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, today (5 September 2023) announced that he will present the Autumn Statement 2023 to Parliament on 22 November.

    The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have been commissioned to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be presented to Parliament alongside his Autumn Statement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £5.5 million Centre of Excellence to keep UK medicines manufacturers at the front of the global race for skills [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £5.5 million Centre of Excellence to keep UK medicines manufacturers at the front of the global race for skills [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 5 September 2023.

    The government is helping to grow the UK life sciences workforce by announcing £5.5 million to establish a Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence.

    • £5.5 million to establish a Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence, boosting UK’s ability to respond to future health emergencies
    • investment delivers against the government’s ambitions to boost the UK’s life sciences sector and grow the economy
    • funding forms part of the Chancellor’s £650 million ‘Life Sci for Growth’ package announced in May

    The government is helping to sustain and grow the 280,000-strong UK life sciences workforce by today (Tuesday 5 September) announcing £5.5 million to establish a Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence.

    This latest demonstration of the government’s commitment to UK life sciences will help ensure the sector has the right talent to drive innovation and deliver its high-skilled that will help the UK respond to future health emergencies.

    This £5.5 million grant funding forms part of the £650 million ‘Life Sci for Growth’ war-chest to fire up the sector, as launched by the Chancellor in May. A competition to allocate funding, led by Innovate UK, will officially open on 26 September.

    The centre will build on existing infrastructure and best practice, and deliver sustainable, end-to-end training provision, all of which the industry needs to continue growing.

    Establishing the Centre supports two crucial elements of the UK Science and Technology Framework: the government’s strategic plan to deliver better health and greater prosperity through the opportunities that science, innovation and technology present.

    The centre will support:

    • building a skilled workforce with support from an agile and responsive skills system
    • retaining the world’s best science and technology talent

    This funding also forms part of a package of investments being announced today that further demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to both skilled job creation and manufacturing in the UK, including over £40 million for 30 cutting edge projects such as rapid-charging motorcycles and self-driving cars. All of these measures serve to unlock growth and boost the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.

    Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman MP said:

    From breakthroughs in genomic medicine to agile new approaches and disease diagnostics, the £94 billion life science sector is central to our ambitions for the economy, as well as playing a fundamental role in our health. But it is only possible for the sector to stay at the front of an accelerating global race if they have a world-class workforce at their disposal.

    We already have a formidable skills base, and as home to four of the world’s top 10 universities, the infrastructure to keep growing it. The Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence will help ensure that we add to the more than 280,000 high-skilled jobs the Life Sciences sector already delivers right across the UK.

    The grant competition will launch on 26 September. The recipient of grant competition funding for the Medicines Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will be awarded by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, as part of their Transforming Medicines Manufacturing Programme. Innovate UK supports business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies, and in every region of the UK.

    Sarah Goulding – Executive Director, Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK said:

    Innovate UK is pleased to be working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to establish a Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence through this UK government funding. Talent and skills are fundamental to successful innovation and industry growth. This investment will strengthen the UK’s medicines manufacturing skills and training ecosystem and make a real difference to the talent and skills pipeline for UK business innovation.

    Steve Bates OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the UK BioIndustry Association said:

    Growing UK medicines manufacturing will allow us to capture the greatest economic benefit from our world-leading life sciences research and development ecosystem, creating well-paid jobs and export revenues that power the economy. The diverse geographic footprint of specialised medicines manufacturing facilities means the sector delivers high-quality, rewarding jobs across the UK.

    This significant investment in a centre of excellence to attract, retain and develop talent throughout the UK will enhance Britain’s standing as the best location globally for innovative medicines manufacturing

    The government’s Life Sciences Vision, published in 2021, set the ambition to create a globally competitive environment for Life Science manufacturing investments, building on the strengths of our manufacturing R&D, our network of innovation centres, the manufacturing response to COVID-19 and delivery of the Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund. Life sciences are also central to the UK Science and Technology Framework, which identifies the critical technologies set to make the biggest difference to health and life science progress, as well as plans to improve the regulatory landscape for life sciences.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of 15 lay panel members of disciplinary tribunals to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of 15 lay panel members of disciplinary tribunals to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 5 September 2023.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of 15 lay panel members of disciplinary tribunals to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of 15 lay members of judicial disciplinary panels (Judicial Conduct Investigations Office) for 5 years from 1 July 2023. The members are:

    Ciara McGarry, Colin Stott, David Abbott, Dorota Ferguson, Emma Moir, Isabel Gouveia-Lima, Isobel Leaviss, Jacqui Francis, Judith Webb, Lynne Vernon, Margaret Prythergch, Michael Maguire, Sarah Scott, Suzy Walton and Trudy Morrice.

    The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) supports the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice in considering complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders. Disciplinary panels, composed of judges and lay members, play an important part in considering the most serious cases of alleged misconduct by judicial office holders.

    The appointments were made by the Lord Chancellor after consulting the Lord Chief Justice.

    Appointments to the JCIO are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biographies

    Michael Maguire

    Dr Maguire is a former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.  He is currently a Lay Member of the Select Committee on Standards (London) and a Lay Member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (Dublin). He has provided expert advice on police oversight to Yoorrook Commission (Melbourne) and Queensland Commission on policing and family violence (Brisbane).

    Lynne Vernon

    Mrs Lynne Vernon is a retired Detective Chief Inspector. During her 30 years’ service with Greater Manchester Police she managed public protection, counter corruption and homicide investigation units. She now undertakes roles as a lay member of the General Dental Council, the General Chiropractic Council , Social Work England and the Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

    David Abbott

    Mr Abbott is CEO, The Free Representation Unit. He sits as a Member of the Legal Services Consumer Panel and Lay Member of statutory committees for the General Optical Council.

    Isobel Leaviss

    Ms Leaviss holds a number of regulatory adjudicator and disciplinary committee member roles including: Council of Licensed Conveyancers and Solicitors Regulation Authority Adjudicator; Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, General Pharmaceutical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council Lay Member.

    Jacqui Francis

    Ms Francis is an Independent Consultant at Adina May Consulting and a former Citizen Representative – for Birmingham City Council Independent Renumeration Panel. Other current non-executive roles include: Independent Complaints Board Lay Member; Labour Party and; Independent Member of the Bar Standards Board Selection Panels.

    Isabel Gouveia-Lima

    Dr Gouveia-Lima was previously Chief Controls Officer at HSBC UK and Nationwide Building Society, as well as Head of Compliance at HSBC UK Commercial Banking and Director of Regulatory Compliance, Conduct & Operational Risk for TSB Bank plc.

    Colin Stott

    Mr Stott is the Director of his own company and undertakes a variety of work including acting as a strategic advisor for National Police Chief’s Council Serious and Organised Crime Portfolio and as a Deployable Civilian Expert on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

    Margaret Prythergch

    Ms Prythergch was previously a civil servant, working in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. She was Chief Assessor for the Civil Service Fast Stream (FS) scheme and still participates in FS assessment centres. She serves as a: Judicial Appointments Commission Panel Chair and independent member and is a member of the Parole Board.

    Suzy Walton

    Dr Suzy Walton is Chartered as a Director, an Occupational Psychologist and a Scientist. She has a portfolio of board roles and is a former senior civil servant in the MoD and the Cabinet Office. She is also the former Vice President of the Royal Society of Medicine and former Vice Chair of the Royal Society of Arts.

    Dorota Ferguson

    Dorota Ferguson is a Clinical Scientist, Chartered Scientist and Medical Physics Expert in the nuclear medicine area. Dorota is a registered tribunal member with the Health and Care Professions Council, lay member for the Registration Appeals Panel of the General Medical Council and a Revalidation Reviewer for the General Pharmaceutical Council.

    Ciara McGarry

    Ms McGarry is an Executive Support Officer for Meridian Home Start Ltd and a former Business Assistant for Arup (Ove Arup & Partners Ltd).

    Emma Moir

    Ms Moir is a Director in government financial services, having previously worked at a senior operational level in healthcare and in Senior Civil Service roles. She has considerable experience of judicial and quasi-judicial roles and currently holds appointments on tribunals, professional conduct, and advisory committees

    Trudy Morrice

    Ms Morrice is Owner and Director of Hanson HR Consulting, providing HR consultancy, operational support and project management services to different businesses in a range of sectors.  She was previously HR Director for Mitsubishi Chemical.

    Sarah Scott

    Ms Scott is an Assistant Director at the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman and an Associate Ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service. She was previously Head of Investigations and Enforcement – Phone Paid Services Authority.

    Judith Webb

    Ms Judith Webb MBE is an existing JCIO Lay Panel Member and holds other appointments including member of the Intellectual Property Regulation Board Disciplinary Panel.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Chair appointed to Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Chair appointed to Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 4 September 2023.

    The Permanent Secretary to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has appointed Sir Richard Heaton as the new Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection for a term of four years commencing 3 September 2023.

    The Government Art Collection is a unique cultural resource that promotes British art by placing works of art in UK Government buildings worldwide. Selected for ministerial offices in the UK and embassies and diplomatic residences abroad, two-thirds of the Collection are on display in almost every capital city across the world. Every year, this working Collection is seen by thousands of visitors, contributing to cultural diplomacy and showcasing British creativity, past and present.

    Collected over the course of 125 years and containing more than 14,700 works of art spanning six centuries, the Government Art Collection continues to grow, representing the diversity of the UK. The Collection engages with a wider audience through loans, partnerships, digital platforms and a rolling public programme.

    Sir Richard Heaton became Warden of Robinson College, the newest college at Cambridge, in 2021, after a career in the civil service. He was Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office from 2012 to 2015, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice from 2015 to 2020. Richard is also Chair of Trustees at Koestler Arts, which promotes art and creativity in prisons and places of detention or supervision. He has for many years been an enthusiastic collector of modern and contemporary art.

    Outgoing Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Government Art Collection, Sir David Verey said: ‘I have enjoyed my ten years as Chair of the Advisory Committee enormously and I wish Richard Heaton every success in his tenure.’

    Director of the Government Art Collection, Eliza Gluckman said: ‘I’d like to thank Sir David Verey for a decade of stewardship and support of the Government Art Collection. He supported myself and my predecessor Penny Johnson CBE through a period of enormous change for the Collection including our move to Old Admiralty Building and a change of Director. I am looking forward to working with Sir Richard Heaton as the Collection prepares to celebrate 125 years and looks to future initiatives’.

    Sir Richard Heaton said: ‘I’ve admired the Government Art Collection for years. It brings art to the workplace and to the public, it supports practising artists, and it quietly speaks for the UK around the world. I am thrilled to be joining it as Chair of the Advisory Committee.’

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman preferred candidate [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman preferred candidate [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 4 September 2023.

    The Minister for Local Government, Lee Rowley, has confirmed that the government’s preferred candidate is Amerdeep Somal.

    The Minister for Local Government, Lee Rowley, confirmed today (4 September 2023) that the government’s preferred candidate to be the next Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is Amerdeep Somal.

    The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is an independent, impartial body which looks at complaints about councils and some other authorities and organisations in England, including education admissions appeal panels and adult social care providers. Ms Somal has also been selected as the preferred candidate for the Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England, the official body which runs the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman service.

    Ms Somal has been selected following a rigorous assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. She will undergo a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee on 18 September.

    Biography

    Amerdeep Somal is the outgoing Complaints Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer to the Financial Regulators and Chief Commissioner at the Data and Marketing Commission. She sits on the board of the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman. She is also a Judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.

    She was the Independent Assessor to the Financial Ombudsman Service and board member at the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council. She is a former founding Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has held a number of other board roles and her earlier career was as a senior civil servant.