Mr Michael Leadbetter has been appointed as a non-lay member. He is a former Director of Social Services, a consultant in Children’s and Adult Care Services and has been Chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) since April 2007. CWDC is one of GSCC’s key partners, working to improve the lives of children, young people, their families and carers by ensuring that all people working with them have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice. Mr Leadbetter is also a non executive director and Audit Chair for North East Essex Primary Care Trust from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2010. He is also Chair of two national voluntary organisations – Parentline Plus and Voice.

Mr David Prince has been appointed as a lay member. He has been the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer for the Standards Board for England since April 2004. The Board is a non-departmental public body that promotes the Nolan principles of high standards of ethical conduct by the 100,000 elected councilors in all tiers of local government and similar bodies. It also investigates breaches of the statutory code of conduct.

GSCC Chair, Sir Rodney Brooke said: “We have gained two incredible assets to the GSCC and I am delighted Michael and David will be working with us. They bring a wealth of experience to the GSCC and their input and knowledge is highly valued by the organisation.”

Sir Rodney Brooke also expressed thanks and bid farewell to Council members “who have been excellent contributors to the GSCC over their time with us: Ms Helen Baker, Dr Malcolm Clarke, Ms Ann James CBE and Mr Arthur Keefe.”

The appointments of the new members will take effect from 3 September 2007 for four years and have been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Code of Practice. The remuneration for these Council appointments is £7,598 per annum.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Both appointees have declared no political activity.

The next Council meeting will take place on 25 September 2007 at Goldings House