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Lord Hodgson takes over as NCVO president

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Thursday, 22, Nov 2007 12:00

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts became the new President of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) at its AGM yesterday (Wednesday 21 November 2007). Lord Hodgson takes over from Baroness Rawlings, who has been President of NCVO for the last five years.

Lord Hodgson has been a Conservative member of the House of Lords since 2000 and was a front bench spokesman on Home Affairs from 2002 to 2006 leading on the Charities Act’s passage through the Lords and played an instrumental role in ensuring that the Act became law.

Lord Hodgson was the Conservative MP for Walsall North from 1976 to 1979, Chairman of the Conservative Party’s National Union in 1996 and Deputy Chairman of the Party from 1997 to 2000. His business career has been in investment banking having established Granville PLC. He has a keen interest in City regulation and was a founder director of the Securities and Investment Board (SIB) and a director of the Securities and Futures Authority (SFA).

Lord Hodgson said:

“I have always believed that voluntary organisations make a unique contribution to the social fabric of Britain. This belief was reinforced by my work on the Charities Act 2006 during its passage through Parliament. I feel privileged to have been asked to become President of NCVO and I am looking forward to assisting it in its invaluable work.”

Graham Melmoth, Chair of NCVO, said:

“I would like to thank Baroness Rawlings for five dedicated years of service and for all that she has done for NCVO and the sector. From chairing our Advisory Council to building our links with the Leader of the Opposition, her contribution has been invaluable.”

“I am delighted to welcome Lord Hodgson as our new President. Lord Hodgson comes with a wealth of experience and was particularly influential in taking a lead as the Charities Act passed through Parliament last year.”

A new governance structure for NCVO was also approved by members at the AGM. Key changes to NCVO’s governance include:

A reduction in the size of the Board from 40 members to 12.

The creation of an NCVO Members’ Assembly that will reflect the breadth and geographical spread of NCVO members and will act as a forum to debate key policy issues for the sector.

A new Nominations Commission, which will supervise the democractic process for NCVO governance elections, facilitate diversity and ensure that the right mix and experience is reflected on NCVO’s board.

Graham Melmoth, Chair of NCVO, said:

“These are significant changes to NCVO’s governance structure and we believe that this will engance NCVO’s ability to play its part in developing the effectiveness of the voluntary and community sector and civil society.”

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact: Pete Moorey in the NCVO press office on 020 7520 2468 or email pete.moorey@ncvo-vol.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

  • The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) www.ncvo-vol.org.uk is the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in England, with sister councils in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NCVO has a growing membership of over 5,400 voluntary organisations, ranging from large national bodies to community groups, volunteer bureaux, and development agencies working at a local level.

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