Arrivals, moves & departures

Appointments, job changes and exits among senior civil servants and key figures in the wider public sector


GLD

By Paul Kirkley

13 Feb 2015

Francis Maude is to step down as an MP at the general election.

The Cabinet Office minister and paymaster general, who entered the Commons in 1983, will not contest his Horsham seat, telling his local association chairman it was time to make way for a younger candidate.
In his resignation letter, Maude said his extensive Whitehall reform programme had “saved taxpayers £14.3 billion last year alone”.

He added: “We set up the Government Digital Service, now being copied in the United States and Australia, which has replaced hundreds of websites with the award-winning GOV.UK, moving services online and cutting the costs of government IT while hugely improving the service.

“There is much to do – before the election and after – to ensure that the reforms are irreversible.” 

The prime minister has appointed Sir Ian Cheshire as the government’s lead non-executive. He replaces Lord Browne, who stepped down in January, having been in the post since it was established in 2010. 
Cheshire, former chief executive of Kingfisher plc, was previously the lead non-executive director of the Department for Work and Pensions. 

David Cameron said: “Since the creation of the enhanced board model in 2010, the non-executive community has made a huge contribution to their departments. I look forward to Ian continuing the ambitious programme of work which Lord Browne has led, including improving government’s handling of risk, more effective management of the civil service’s top talent, and making better use of non-executive expertise.

Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said: “Ian’s extensive business experience and his work as lead non-executive director at the Department for Work and Pensions makes him the ideal person to build on the excellent foundation laid by Lord Browne and ensure that departmental boards, and the non-executives as individuals continue to make an important contribution to the effectiveness of government. I am very much looking forward to working with him and continuing to strengthen governance in our departments.”

Sir Ian Cheshire said: “I am delighted to take up the role of government lead non-executive. Under Lord Browne’s leadership, a strong team of non-executives has transformed the governance of Whitehall, bringing much-needed commercial and organisational expertise to departmental boards. I greatly look forward to leading this group of talented people as they continue to bring advice and challenge to Whitehall.”

Home secretary Theresa May has appointed David Bolt as chief inspector of borders and immigration.

A former MI5 officer who has also served in police intelligence and national security roles, Bolt will replace John Vine, who resigned in December after five and half years in which he was frequently critical of the government.

Bolt, who is currently chief executive of the International Federation of Spirit Producers ¬– which combats the international trade in counterfeit spirits – has been appointed on a fixed term two-year contract.

Theresa May said: “The role of providing detailed, independent scrutiny of our work and our performance in controlling immigration and protecting Britain’s borders is vital. David Bolt is an excellent candidate and I am confident he will carry out his duties with diligence, vigour and objectivity.”

Rachael Badger has been appointed as a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), following the departure of Keith Faulkner after three years.

Badger has been the head of policy research for families, welfare and work at Citizens Advice since 2013. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in a variety of civil service roles at the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury.

She said: “I’m delighted to join the committee. The design of the social security system is full of important and difficult choices, and the committee’s expert, impartial advice is essential to ensure that those decisions are as well-informed as possible.”

Paul Gray, SSAC chair, said: “The committee will greatly miss the wisdom and experience that Keith Faulkner brought to its work, but we have a strong successor in Rachael Badger. Rachael will bring valuable expertise and insight to the committee and I am looking forward to working with her.”

The SSAC is also bidding farewell to Diana Whitworth, who has resigned from the committee on health grounds. Paul Gray said: “It is with great sadness and regret that I have accepted Diana’s resignation. She has been a strong member of the committee, in particular ensuring that the voices of disabled people and carers have been reflected in all our work. Her input to the committee will be greatly missed.

The first three directors to the new UK Oil and Gas Authority have been appointed by chief executive Andy Samuel.

Simon Toole, currently head of offshore licensing, exploration and development in the Department of Energy and Climate Change, will become the new regulatory body’s director of licensing and legal. Stuart Payne has been appointed as director of change and organisational development, including responsibility for human resources. Ian McKenzie will take up the role of chief implementation officer, leading the finance, procurement, internal audit and IT activities.

The Oil and Gas Authority was created following Sir Ian Wood’s 2014 review of the industry.

Andy Samuel said: “I’m delighted to announce these important appointments, which are central to the development and success of the Oil and Gas Authority. I will continue to build on the expertise and strengths of the existing team, ensuring we have the capability to drive a focused strategy that maximises economic recovery of oil and gas resources in the UK.”

A further three directors have yet to be appointed.

Sarah Albon has taken up her new role as chief executive of the Insolvency Agency.

The former director of strategy and change at HM Courts & Tribunals said: “The UK has a highly regarded insolvency regime which is fundamental for driving investor confidence and securing long-term economic growth. 

“I am privileged to join the Insolvency Service as we plan to implement changes currently being debated by Parliament enabling us to better support debtors, creditors and investors. At the same time, we are continuing to modernise the public services we offer to those struggling with debt, and the insolvency industry.”

Vikas Shah has been appointed to the Industrial Development and Advisory Board (IDAB).

An entrepreneur who started his first dotcom business aged 14, Shah is managing director of Swiscot Group, a Manchester-based textiles and commodities trading firm, with operations worldwide. He is also visiting professor of entrepreneurship with MIT Sloan on their European MBA programme.

Making the announcement, universities, science and cities minister Greg Clark said: “I am pleased to welcome Vikas as a newly appointed member to the board. I know that his skills and experience will be highly valued. 

“I look forward to continuing to work with the board, whose business expertise helps us make sure public investment in private sector projects has the best possible impact.” 

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