P3 Charity chief executive Mark Simms has been appointed as the Charity Commission’s interim chair.
Simms will replace current chair Orlando Fraser on 25 April and hold the position for six months while a permanent successor is recruited.
In response, Fraser said: “I very much welcome the news of Mark Simms’s appointment as interim chair to succeed me.
“I have known Mark personally a long time, both at the Rugby Portobello Trust and most recently from his role here as a member of the commission, and I could not think of a better person for the job.”
Simms joined the commission as a board member in March 2023 and was awarded an OBE in 2024 for services to social enterprise.
‘I understand the challenges charities face’
Simms said: “It will be an honour to step into this role at such a crucial time for the sector.
“Charities are at the heart of our communities, and I am committed to ensuring the commission remains fair, balanced, and effective in its work.
“As a charity leader myself, I understand the challenges charities face and the importance of regulation that strengthens, rather than stifles, their impact and continues to uphold the trust that charities need to thrive.”
Fraser announced he would step down as chair in November.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy, who appointed Simms, thanked Fraser for his service and for “his work towards a fairer, balanced and independent Charity Commission”.
Applications for the next substantive chair of the commission are due to open soon.
Appointment comes at ‘crucial time’ for sector
Jane Ide, chief executive of ACEVO, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Mark Simms as the new interim chair of the Charity Commission.
“His appointment comes at a crucial time for the sector; we welcome the invaluable experience Mark brings as a seasoned charity leader and his understanding of the challenges facing our sector, especially in current times where we are seeing increased demand for services and constrained resources.
“We appreciate his commitment to ensuring fair, balanced and effective regulation, which is essential to maintaining trust and enabling charities to continue their critical and much-needed work. At ACEVO, we know first-hand how important it is for charity leaders to feel supported and understood.
“We look forward to working closely with Mark and the commission to strengthen the sector, enabling charity leaders to be responsive, resilient and well-equipped to support individuals and communities.
“Together, we can foster an environment where charities and voluntary organisations are empowered to fulfil their missions and feel they have the support needed to continue shaping a fairer, more equitable society for all.”
Sarah Elliott, CEO of NCVO, said: “As a current board member and experienced charity leader, Mark's first-hand understanding is invaluable at a time when the sector faces some of their most difficult challenges yet.
“It is more important than ever that the commission operates as a fair, proportionate and independent regulator that supports the sector to thrive.
“We look forward to continuing to build our strong relationship with Mark and the wider commission in the months ahead.”
Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that the Charity Commission chair is appointed by the government, not the regulator
