Ceri Witchard has been named as the new regulator of community interest companies.
Witchard, the current deputy director for innovation at the Intellectual Property Office, will take up her new role – which she will carry out in tandem with the role of director of strategy – on September 14 . She replaces Sara Burgess.
As part of her new remit, Witchard will be responsible for overseeing the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies, which decides whether an organisation is eligible to become, or continue to be, a community interest company (CICs).
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Welcoming the appointment, business minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said Witchard would play a "vital role" in the development of further CICs.
She said: "Ceri Witchard brings a wealth of experience to the role of regulator of community interest companies and will play a vital role in supporting the set-up and development of Community Interest Companies.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sara Burgess for her work and commitment to the role and wish her well for the future.”
Witchard said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of regulator of community interest companies at such an exciting time.
“CICs are a vital part of the UK economy, delivering both economic growth and community support. I look forward to supporting the sector as it continues to grow."