Sir David Bell appointed Non-Executive Board Member

We are very pleased to welcome Sir David Bell KCB as the Law Commission’s first Non-Executive Board Member.

Sir David Bell is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, a post he has held since January 2012. During his time in office, he has overseen a number of significant achievements, including the improvement of the University’s position in the recent UK-wide Research Excellence Framework, an increase in research income and a growth in student numbers. Other major developments during his tenure have included the opening of a new campus in Malaysia, agreement to build a 42 acre Science and Innovation Park in the Thames Valley and enhancements to the student experience in areas such as careers advice, accommodation, sporting and social facilities, and careers advice.

Sir David’s extensive 30-plus year career has included many of England’s top education jobs. As well as being Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools, he spent six years as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education.

Sir David became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2011 Birthday Honours. He is married with two adult daughters.

Welcoming Sir David to the Law Commission, Chairman Sir David Lloyd Jones said:

“We are delighted that Sir David has joined us as our first Non-Executive Board Member. The experience he has gained both inside and outside Government will be invaluable in helping us set the strategic direction of the Commission and in supporting the Commission through the development of our corporate governance.

“Sir David joins the Board in September, and we look forward to his bringing a new perspective to the governance of the Law Commission.”

Speaking of his appointment, Sir David Bell said:

“I am delighted to be joining the Law Commission as a Non-Executive Board Member. From first-hand experience in Whitehall, I know how useful the Commission has been in shaping reform of the law where needed. It will be a privilege therefore to assist the Commission in its continuing work to keep the law under review in a fast-changing world.”