3rd Report - Appointment of the Chair of the Charity Commission

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The Government maintains that Baroness Stowell is the best person to chair the Charity Commission and does not alter its decision after considering the Committee's report.

• On experience, it states that the role specification "does not ask for explicit experience in the charity or regulatory sectors", and that there is "no evidence that this is a weakness".
• It is "not willing to provide" evidence on other appointable candidates, including any party affiliations, saying disclosure "would be inappropriate" and the Government has a duty to protect applicants' privacy.
• On impartiality, it notes that questions have been raised about her previous political roles but has "every confidence" she will act independently. It says she resigned the Conservative whip and party membership on confirmation of appointment.
• On diversity of candidates, it says DCMS will work with the Cabinet Office to implement the Diversity Action Plan "over the coming months", and continue to expand its advertising and outreach.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error