The appointments will run from 1 September 2007 for two years, after which they are open for renewal. The appointees will also sit on the department’s audit committee.
DCMS permanent secretary Jonathan Stephens said:
"We are delighted to welcome Darra and Liz on board. Their appointments increase external input and challenge – an important part of our transformation programme following the DCMS capability review. With our existing non-executive directors, I’m sure they will be of great benefit to the department.”
top
Notes to editors
1. The DCMS board comprises senior officials from the department plus non-executives. Its role includes leading the department and setting its longer term strategy, direction and priorities. Dame Liz and Mr Singh join two existing non-executive members, Parminder Vir and Clive Elphick.
2. Dame Liz Forgan DBE is currently chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund. She was formerly managing director of BBC Radio. Following an early career in journalism, she moved to television with the start of Channel 4 where she became director of programmes. She joined the BBC in 1993. She is a former chair of the Churches Conservation Trust and also former trustee of the Phoenix Trust. She is the chair of the Scott Trust and a board member of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama.
3. Darra Singh OBE is currently chief executive of the London Borough of Ealing. He recently chaired the Commission on Integration and Cohesion which reported its findings in June 2007. Prior to his role at Ealing he was the chief executive of Luton council. Previously he has served as a regional director with the Audit Commission and worked for many years in the housing sector.
4. Both appointees will continue their current roles while serving on the DCMS board.
5. Although these appointments do not formally come within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, they were made taking account of the Commissioner's code of practice. The appointments were made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
7. These appointments are for two years, after which they are renewable. The posts attract a fee of £7,500 per annum plus expenses, for a time commitment of 1.5 days per month. The posts are not pensionable.
