We are pleased to announce that Mo Baines has been appointed as Lead Non-Executive Director (NED) for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Her appointment will be for a three-year term up to 15 March 2029.
Steve Reed, MHCLG Secretary of State said
“I am delighted that Mo Baines will be continuing in her role of Lead Non-Executive Director. Mo has already made a strong contribution to the department during her interim tenure, bringing valuable insight from her extensive work across local government and the wider public sector.
“Her continued leadership on the Board comes at an important time for MHCLG, and I look forward to working closely with her, our ministers and our Executive Team as we build on our progress and strengthen how we deliver for the communities we serve.”
MHCLG Lead Non-Executive Director, Mo Baines said
“I am honoured to be substantively appointed as the Lead Non-Executive Director for MHCLG. Having served as Interim Lead NED since October 2024, I have seen first-hand the dedication and professionalism of colleagues across the department. I am delighted to continue working the Ministerial Team, Executive to support strong governance, provide constructive challenge, and contribute to the important work we deliver for communities nationwide.”
For more information
About Mo Baines
Mo Baines joined the Board of the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government in October 2024.
Mo has extensive experience of working in public policy and local government, with a particular background in service delivery models, local government finance and research. She is the Chief Executive at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and visiting professor at the University of Staffordshire’s Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions.
Mo has served in a number of other public sector roles over the course of her career, including as Head of Communications and Deputy Chief Executive of APSE, prior to her appointment as Chief Executive. Mo has authored and contributed to a number of public policy research papers and publications on service delivery and insourcing, housing and planning, workforce matters and local government finance. Mo has throughout her career worked closely with public sector trade unions, local councils and councillors across the UK and is passionate about the value of local government services to communities.
As Lead NED, Mo will continue to play a central role in supporting the Secretary of State, Permanent Secretary and Executive Team by
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providing independent advice, challenge and assurance on departmental strategy, performance, risk and governance
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supporting the effectiveness of the MHCLG Board and its sub‑committees
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working closely with fellow NEDs to bring external insight and expertise to the department’s work
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advising on leadership, organisational capability and delivery
About the MHCLG Board
The Departmental Board is chaired by the Secretary of State, and comprises all junior ministers, senior officials, the Lead Non-Executive and non-executive board members (appointed by the Secretary of State in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines). The board meets quarterly, with overarching responsibility for departmental performance and delivery.
The Board provides overall leadership for the department’s business, as well as advice, support and challenge on the delivery and performance of key policy areas and programmes against priority outcomes.