Two governance appointments have been made within the Government Legal Department (GLD).
Nicola Sawford will join GLD’s board as a Non-Executive Member and chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC). Former chief executive of a Barristers’ Chambers, Sawford has been involved with various legal organisations, including the Law Society, and is also a Chartered Accountant.
Rachel Sexton will join ARAC as an Independent Member, bringing a blend of legal services alongside expertise in governance, audit and assurance, and legal operations. She is a US Certified Public Accountant, with experience in efficiencies and downward pressures, as well as having worked in technological transformation, during previous roles at EY and Ashurst.
Both will serve three-year terms.
The Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor of GLD, Susanna McGibbon, commented on the new appointments
It is great we have been able to appoint Nicola and Rachel to these positions – they will be brilliant assets to GLD. Their breadth of experience means they will add real value in support of the Department’s Strategy. I and the Executive Team look forward to their wisdom and challenge as we help the government to govern well, within the rule of law effectively and efficiently.
The Rt Hon Dame Janet Paraskeva DBE PC, GLD’s Lead Non-Executive Director, said
The value of Non-Executives and Independent Members in government is in the external expertise that they provide to departments and their ability to be a critical friend to the Executive Team. It is important that we continue to bring this talent into GLD to support the successful delivery of GLD’s strategic vision and purpose, as the Department continues to modernise and improve.
Nicola Sawford, new Non-Executive Board Member and ARAC Chair said
I am delighted to be joining the Government Legal Department as a Non-Executive Board Member, and I look forward to supporting the Treasury Solicitor and her team in delivering the Department’s strategy.
Rachel Sexton, new Independent Member at ARAC said
I am delighted to be joining the Government Legal Department at this time to support its vital work, which touches many areas of life in the UK and has a far-reaching impact. I
am committed to contributing to the GLD, with a focus on effective risk management to support operational excellence and long-term sustainability.