NCVO has announced that Baroness Pitkeathley of Caversham OBE is its choice to become the umbrella body’s next president - the appointment is expected to be confirmed by members at its AGM.
Pitkeathley has worked with or in the voluntary sector for over 40 years and most recently chaired the House of Lords Select Committee on Charities.
Pitkeathley became a Labour peer in 1997 and is a deputy speaker in the upper chamber and deputy chair of committee. She was chief executive of Carers UK, and has been chair and trustee of many charities.
She said: “I am honoured and delighted by my proposed appointment as president of NCVO. I have been closely involved with NCVO for many years and have always been a great admirer of its work. If my appointment is approved by the membership, it will be a particular pleasure to hold this important office during the centenary anniversary celebrations in 2019.”
Peter Kellner, chair of NCVO, described Pitkeathley as the “ideal candidate, and said: “As chairman of the House of Lords select committee on charities, she has worked with peers from all political parties to challenge both the voluntary sector and the government to ensure that the sector plays a greater and more effective role in British society.
“She will prove a crucial champion during an era of uncertainty and the continuing squeeze on public services, when demand for those services is certain to grow.”
Pitkeathley will succeed Baroness Grey-Thomson, whose five-year term is coming to a close, and the appointment is expected to be ratified by NCVO members at its annual general meeting on 20 November.
Grey-Thomson said: “I have very much enjoyed my five years as president. NCVO is an excellent organisation and Jill has been a passionate advocate for the sector. I know Jill will continue to do great work with the team and I look forward to the future.”
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