5 April 2004 - Appointment of the chairman and five commissioners of the Disability Rights Commission
Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith today announced the reappointment of Bert Massie as a Commissioner and as Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). He also announced the reappointment of four Commissioners, including the Deputy Chairman, and one new appointment.
Mr Massie is reappointed as DRC Chairman, Mr John Hougham is reappointed as DRC Commissioner and Deputy Chairman, Ms Jane Campbell, Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick and Mrs Elaine Noad are reappointed as DRC Commissioners and Mr Stephen Alambritis is newly appointed as a DRC Commissioner. These appointments will last from 1 April 2004 until 31 March 2007.
Mr Smith said:
“I am delighted to be able to announce Bert Massie’s reappointment as a Commissioner and as Chairman of the DRC. The DRC has established itself as a confident and proactive organisation under Bert’s stewardship. There are many challenges ahead for the DRC as we move to implement legislation furthering the rights of disabled people and as we move to introduce a Commission for Equality and Human Rights. With Bert’s leadership, I am confident the DRC will be able to respond to those challenges.
“I am also very pleased to announce the appointments of five Commissioners to the DRC. The four Commissioners who are being reappointed have already made significant contributions to the work of the Disability Rights Commission and their experience and knowledge will provide stability for the Commission over the next three years. Mr Alambritis has many talents and skills to bring to the DRC – an organisation which is helping to bring about a society which promotes equality of opportunity for everyone.”
The Commission’s Chair, Bert Massie said:
“I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to chair the DRC over the next three years. It promises to be a period of considerable change in the lives of disabled people as their rights and opportunities continue to be strengthened. And there is important work to be done to ensure that the distinct needs of disabled people are reflected at all levels in the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights. It is a busy agenda and I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners, our Chief Executive, our staff and all our stakeholders in helping to deliver it.
“I am also very pleased with today’s announcement of the five appointments. John Hougham, Jane Campbell, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Elaine Noad have all made significant contributions to the success of the Commission since it opened its doors for business four years ago. I would particularly like to welcome Stephen Alambritis who has shown a deep understanding of disability issues and how they relate to small and medium sized businesses.
“These appointments mean that the Commission will continue to have a good blend of experience and fresh thinking which will enable it to take forward its challenging agenda and maintain its excellent relationship with all of its stakeholders. “
Notes for editors
- Biographies of the appointees:
- Mr Bert Massie C.B.E., Chairman of the DRC, was formerly Director of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation until his appointment as Chairman of the DRC in 1999. He is a Trustee of several voluntary organisations including Tripscope, the Institute of Employment Studies and the Pensions Policy Institute. He was Deputy Chair of the National Disability Council and a member of the Disability Rights Task Force. He has also served on a number advisory committees concerned with disability including the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee and the National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Disabled People. Mr Massie has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
- Mr John Hougham C.B.E., Deputy Chairman of the DRC, was formerly chairman of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and Executive Director of Personnel at the Ford Motor Company. He is Chair of the Employment National Training Organisation and a lay member of the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The latter appointment is fee paid, currently £261 per day. He was a DRC Commissioner and Deputy Chairman from 17 January 2000 to 31 March 2004. Reappointed until 31 March 2007, Mr Hougham has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
- Mr Stephen Alambritis is Head of Press and Parliamentary Affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses. He was formerly a member of the Disability Rights Task Force and the Better Regulation Task Force. He is a Shareholder Board Director with Enterprise Insight, a position which is unpaid. Newly appointed until 31 March 2007, Mr Alambritis is a Labour Councillor in the London Borough of Merton.
- Ms Jane Campbell M.B.E., was a former Co-Director of the National Centre for Independent Living. She is now Chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. She has held several voluntary appointments and has served on Government bodies, including the Disability Rights Task Force. Ms Campbell was a DRC Commissioner from 17 January 2000 to 31 March 2004. Reappointed until 31 March 2007, Ms Campbell does not hold any other ministerial appointments. Ms Campbell has spoken on behalf of the Labour Party Disability Members Group in the last five years.
- Dr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Commissioner for Wales. He is currently National Policy and Research Manager with the Shaw Trust. He is a member of the management boards of a Local Health Group, a Council for Voluntary Services and an Adoption Agency. Dr. Fitzpatrick was the DRC Commissioner for Wales from 17 January 2000 until 31 March 2004. He has recently been appointed to the Ofcom Advisory Committee in Wales at a remuneration of £1664 per annum. Reappointed until 31 March 2007, Dr. Fitzpatrick has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
- Mrs Elaine Noad, Commissioner for Scotland. Elaine Noad is Director of Community Services, South Ayrshire Council. She is an equalities adviser to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and a Trustee of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Mrs Noad was the DRC Commissioner for Scotland from 17 January 2000 to 31 March 2004. Reappointed until 31 March 2007, Mrs Noad does not hold any other ministerial appointments and has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
- The DRC is an independent body set up by statute and funded by Government. There are fifteen Commissioners, including the Chairman, the maximum permitted under the DRC Act. Its functions are to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promote the equalisation of opportunities for disabled people, promote good practice to employers and service providers, provide information and advice about the Disability Discrimination Act, and advise the Government on a range of policy issues within its remit.
- The appointments have been made in accordance with the principles of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice for Appointments to Public Bodies. The posts were advertised in the national and specialist press and relevant websites and brought to the attention of key disability, minority ethnic and business organisations. A selection panel comprising the Head of the Disability Unit at the Department for Work and Pensions, the DRC’s Chairman and an independent member interviewed the candidates and made recommendations to Ministers.
- 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 any declared) to be made public.
- Commissioners will contribute to Commission and ad hoc working group meetings which determine the DRC’s overall policy; champion the work of the DRC by speaking and representing the Commission at conferences and other events; and network extensively with the DRC’s key stakeholders and fellow Commissioners.
- Mr Massie will receive a salary of £85,000 per annum. Commissioner appointments are part-time and they will be paid a fee of £142 for each day spent on Commission business, as well as travel and other expenses.
For more information contact Tracy Lee or Fiona Ludlow on 020 7238 0725/0782
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