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Government, citizens and rights
Who holds public appointments - case studies
Public appointments are open to everyone, from all backgrounds and every walk of life. Read the case studies below for examples of people who hold public appointments.
Lorna Walker
“If you’ve got the experience, use it. It’s a huge learning curve, a great challenge and a perfect way to keep up with skills and influence government.”
Lorna is Managing Director of Lorna Walker Consulting Ltd, specialising in sustainable development, urban regeneration and policy.
As a wheelchair user, Lorna has a strong interest in the impacts of the built environment on all users.
Her appointment as Commissioner for CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) is strategic, with a specific input as Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee. She is also a member of the Operations Committee and Champion for health.
Nitin Dahad
“My route to public service was through my desire to connect ethnic minority businesses... I now want to inspire others like me to get involved.”
Nitin works with new and established companies and organisations to help develop their business, brands and market strategies.
Nitin is a non-executive member on the board of the East of England Development Agency. He has strategic and international roles and sits on the Agency’s Strategy Committee, the East of England International Board and the Europe and International Affairs Panel. Nitin represents the Agency at a number of professional and public events across the region.
Sheena Asthana
“My board level experience has involved a steep learning curve but has also significantly enhanced my confidence in my ability to make a valuable contribution.”
Sheena is a Professor of Health Policy at the University of Plymouth.
As a board member of the Commission for Rural Communities, Sheena plays a full and active part in ensuring that the voice of rural people, businesses and communities is heard by policy-makers within government.
Anil Ruia
“It is important not to be afraid. If I don’t understand I ask, that’s something I like to encourage. We create a decision making process that everyone contributes to
.”
Anil is Director of Wrengate Limited, a privately owned business involved with importing, distributing and manufacturing textiles.
As a trustee of National Museums Liverpool, Anil provides strategic advice to help plan and direct the museums’ activities. This requires a commitment of five trustee meetings a year and several financial planning sessions.
Anil enjoys the openness of the discussions among board members.
Amerdeep Somal
“I like to perform public roles which contribute towards the creation of a fairer, more diverse society – an ideal close to my heart.”
Amerdeep is a lawyer who has worked at the Crown Prosecution Service.
As a member of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), Amerdeep oversees investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. Her background as a criminal lawyer helps ensure that the IPCC upholds fairness to both complainants and police officers alike.
Professor Peter Cooke
“I wish to put something back and encourage minority groups to make the best use of their talents.”
Peter Cooke is a professor at the University of Buckingham Business School and a well known commentator on the automotive industries and disability issues. Peter is also Vice Chair of the Independent Living Fund. He says:
“As a wheelchair user for fifteen years, I can sometimes bring a different perspective to our discussions on supporting disabled people.
“I have found my public sector non executive roles to be immensely satisfying; I’m dealing with issues – and people – I would probably never encounter otherwise and I know I benefit from the experience.”
Professor Averil MacDonald
“Like many, I had never considered an appointment to a public body and was unaware that such appointments were open to everyone... I am now crucially aware of the need for public bodies to represent the population as a whole.”
Averil currently holds the Chair in Science Communication at the University of Reading.
As a Trustee of the National Museum of Science and Industry, Averil is required to work to the highest standards of propriety and integrity.
Asif Iqbal
“I hope to inspire people from all sections of the communities and all walks of life that if I can do it - then they can too!”
Asif has a wide experience of deaf, disability and black and minority ethnic groups (BME) issues. He is currently the Media/Project Manager for Deaf Parenting UK.
As a member of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee and the Disabled Person Transport Advisory Committee, Asif represents the needs of deaf and disabled people, including people from ethnic minority communities, at senior levels within government.
Yinnon Ezra MBE
“My initial contact with the public appointments process was not a good one... but I persisted as I felt that I had something to offer.”
As a Local Authority Chief Officer, Yinnon has extensive experience of initiating and delivering innovative change, through 'transformation' and collaborative working.
Yinnon is a member of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. He is also a trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund. With a background in local government, Yinnon is able to build strong links between these bodies and local communities.
