Two Hunts women become ambassadors
A PROFESSIONAL fundraising and management consultant from Little Gransden has been selected by the Government for a prestigious new role as a Public Appointments Ambassador. Valerie Morton, who is also a non-executive director of NHS East of England, the
A PROFESSIONAL fundraising and management consultant from Little Gransden has been selected by the Government for a prestigious new role as a Public Appointments Ambassador.
Valerie Morton, who is also a non-executive director of NHS East of England, the strategic health authority has become part of a drive to encourage more applications to the boards of public organisations and bodies, particularly from sectors of the population which are currently under-represented.
Sue Smith, chairman of Hinchingbrooke Hospital's trust board for the past eight years, will also be an ambassador for under-represented groups.
The initiative was launched last week by Government Equalities Office Minister Maria Eagle. The department is joint sponsor with the Cabinet Office.
Mrs Morton, who is married with a 12-year-old son, said: "I have found being a public appointee a hugely rewarding experience. I hope my experience will inspire others from different backgrounds with skills to bring to public boards to come forward."
Public organisations, such as the Arts Council, the Competition Commission and governing bodies of local hospitals, make decisions that affect our day to day lives, but too few women, people from ethnic minorities and disabled people sit on them, the Government said.
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Mrs Morton and Mrs Smith join more than 180 ambassadors, who are current public appointees from across the UK, including playwright and deputy chairman of the British Museum, Bonnie Greer, and Peter Cooke, vice-chairman of the Independent Living Fund.
As ambassadors, they will show why it is vital to have people with a wide range of skills and experience involved in the important decisions public boards make, playing a key role in highlighting the benefits of serving on a board and encouraging more people from under-represented groups to apply.
