BOARD ANNOUNCED FOR GOVERNMENT EQUALITIES OFFICE

Three new non-executive board members of the Government Equalities Office (GEO) were announced today by Director General Jonathan Rees.

GEO is a new self-standing Department, whose mission is to put equality at the heart of Government. It is responsible for the Government’s overall strategy on equality, (including a new Equality Bill and Public Service Agreement) as well as leading on women’s issues across Government, and sponsoring the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Women’s National Commission.

The new board members are:

• Peter Bungard - CEO of Gloucestershire County Council

• Janet Soo-Chung - CEO of North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust

• Judy McKnight - former General Secretary of NAPO

The Departmental board supports the Director General in providing strategic advice to Ministers Harriet Harman and Barbara Follett, and ensures high standards of corporate governance. It will also:

• Oversee management of GEO resources, and to monitor achievement of performance objectives;

• Advise, develop and oversee GEO’s capability, particularly focussing on human resources, learning and development, and encouraging innovation;

• Set GEO’s standards and values; and

• Ensure effective governance, including an effective process for assessing and managing risk.

Jonathan Rees, Director General of GEO said:

“GEO is very fortunate to have on board Peter, Janet and Judy. Their broad-ranging experience and knowledge will greatly benefit the Department and I look forward to working with them as we work towards making Britain a fairer and more equal place.”

Janet Soo-Chung has an extensive career in healthcare, and is currently Chief Executive of North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust. In 2002, Janet was appointed CBE for services to health care.

Peter Bungard is the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council and has fronted a number of initiatives on disability matters, racial equality, and zero tolerance of bullying and gay and lesbian issues. He has experience in the areas of civil engineering and the environment. 

Judy McKnight, based in London, is currently a member of the Central Arbitration Committee and the European Economic and Social Committee and was awarded the OBE in 1999 for services to industrial relations and women’s issues.

The Board, including the new non-executive directors, will meet for its first official meeting on 25 September.

Media enquiries

Please contact Lauren Starr on 0207 276 0932 / 07500 816959 lauren.starr@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

Note to Editors:

Further details about the GEO Board can be found at: http://www.equalities.gov.uk/about/senior_management.htm