Janet Paraskeva announced as first chair of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Peter Hain, today announced the appointment of Janet Paraskeva as Chair Designate of the new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. Her appointment, which is for 4 years, will take effect from 19 November 2007.
Janet Paraskeva brings extensive experience to this role from her time as Chief Executive of The Law Society, Director of the National Lottery Charities Board and as Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency. She is currently the First Civil Service Commissioner.
Peter Hain said:
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Janet Paraskeva as the Chair Designate of the new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. It is essential that the new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is headed by someone of Janet's calibre and experience to ensure that we meet our aim to deliver more money to more families, helping lift more children out of poverty.
Ms Paraskeva said:
I am very pleased to be appointed to this new role as the first Chair Designate of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, and I look forward to working with the future Board and all those committed to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.
Notes to Editors
- Janet Paraskeva was the Law Society's Chief Executive from 2000 until August 2006. She is also the First Civil Service Commissioner and a non-executive board member of the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Assets Recovery Agency.
- Her earlier appointments included Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency and non-executive director of a community NHS trust. She has also been one of HM Inspectors of Education and a member of the Youth Justice Board, a magistrate and a Childline council member as well as the Director of the National Youth Bureau.
- The Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill was introduced into the House of Commons in June and has now completed its Commons Committee. Third Reading is expected to take place on 3 December. Janet Paraskeva's appointment will commence on 19 November and will be on a designate basis pending Parliamentary approval of the Bill.
- The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, which will be established by the Bill, will have responsibility for the future Child Maintenance system. The Commission's key objective will be to get more money to more families, helping to lift more children out of poverty.
- The appointment has been made in full conformity with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Janet Paraskeva has declared no political activity.
