13 October 2005 - Appointment of Jobcentre Plus Chief Executive
Today the Department for Work and Pensions announces the appointment of Lesley Strathie as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The appointment follows an open competition and was approved by the Prime Minister with the agreement of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Lesley has been Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus since David Anderson’s departure in May of this year and was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Jobcentre Plus. She will take up post with immediate effect.
Lesley will report directly to Sir Richard Mottram, Permanent Secretary, who commented:
“I am very pleased with this appointment. Lesley has an excellent track record in delivering high-quality customer services and considerable experience of the organisation and its predecessors. She will provide the stability it needs at a time of significant change and challenges.”
Secretary of State David Blunkett said:
“I welcome Lesley’s appointment and am looking forward to continuing to work with her. Jobcentre Plus is one of the most successful organisations of its kind in the world but it faces major challenges as we strive to improve efficiency.
“ The work of Jobcentre Plus is central to what the Department can achieve – changing for the better the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people in society and those of future generations. It is vital that such an organisation is well-led and this appointment is key to sustained success.”
Lesley Strathie said:
"I am delighted to accept the job of Chief Executive and look forward to continuing to take forward what is a great organisation."
Notes to Editors:
Biographical Details
Lesley Strathie joined the Department of Employment as a clerical officer in 1974 and worked in a number of Unemployment Benefit Offices in South West Scotland, joining the Senior Civil Service in November 2000.
In August 2003, Lesley was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Jobcentre Plus. In this role she was responsible for maximising business performance through around 80,000 staff and a £2 billion budget.
Lesley was made Jobcentre Plus Acting Chief Executive in May 2005.
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