Dr Wright has been the National Lottery Commission Chair since October 2005 and has brought strong leadership to the organisation.
Dr Wright’s new appointment comes at the end of her existing one year term and is made under the new provisions of the National Lottery Act 2006. As the new Chair she will be responsible for overseeing the competition for the third operating licence of the National Lottery.
Ms Jowell said:
“The National Lottery Commission has a vital role in protecting the integrity of the National Lottery and ensuring maximised returns to good causes across the country.
“I am delighted therefore to announce Dr Anne Wright’s appointment as Chair of the National Lottery Commission. Anne’s strong background and her impressive strategic leadership will ensure that the Lottery continues to mature and develop through the third licence period.”
Dr Wright’s appointment will run from 16th October 2006 to 15th October 2010.
Dr Wright said:
“The Commission as regulator plays an important role in ensuring that the Lottery works well for everyone and benefits individuals, communities and the nation.
“I am delighted that the Secretary of State has appointed me as Chair to lead the work of the Commission. This will be a crucial and exciting period, and I look forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders to make sure we do a good job. We will need to effect a successful transition to the Third Licence whilst ensuring that the ongoing business is maintained, good causes continue to benefit, and players are protected.
“I am also keen that the Commission should look ahead to the future and develop the way it works to match new approaches to better regulation. “
The National Lottery Commission is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The organisation is responsible for regulating the operation of the National Lottery, including the award of the licence. The overriding statutory duties of the Commission are to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety and to protect the interests of every participant in the lottery games. Subject to fulfilling these two overriding duties (which also apply to the Secretary of State), the Commission has a further duty to do its best to maximise the net proceeds of the Lottery available for distribution to the Good Causes.
Notes to editors
1. Under the National Lottery Act 2006 the chair of the National Lottery Commission is appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, rather than the Commissioners. Under the previous arrangements Chairs were appointed for one year. Dr Wright’s existing one-year term expires on 15th October.
2. This appointment has been made following an open competition and in accordance with the code of practice set out by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All public 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 declared) to be made public. Dr Anne Wright has declared no political activity.
3. The Chair was previously selected by the Commissioners themselves and rotated on an annual basis. The National Lottery Act 2006 allows the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to appoint the Chair.
4. Dr Wright holds two other public appointments; she has been a board member of English Partnerships since 2004 and a board member of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body since 2002. The remuneration is £12072 per annum for English Partnerships and £300 per diem for AFPRB.
5. The post is for two days per week. Remuneration is up to £58,500 per annum. Legitimate expenses, including travel costs, will also be paid. The post is not pensionable.
6. Dr Wright was Deputy Rector and Deputy Chief Executive of Liverpool Polytechnic (1986-90); Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland (1990-98) and the founding Chief Executive of the University for Industry (1998-2001). Dr Wright is currently an independent educational consultant.
7. More information is available from the National Lottery Commission.
