DEPARTMENT OF TRADE
AND INDUSTRY News Release (P/2007/98) issued by The Government News
Network on 18 May 2007
Trade and Industry
Secretary Alistair Darling today announced the appointment of five
new members to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
(Acas) Council.
The new members are Jonathan Michie, Professor of Management at
the University of Birmingham, Susan Anderson, Director of Human
Resources Policy at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI),
Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, Debbie Coulter, Deputy
General Secretary of GMB Union and Peter Bennett, Director of
Human Resources at Network Rail.
Mr Darling said:
"The Acas Council sets the strategic direction, policies and
priorities necessary to allow Acas to help the modern British
economy meet the employment relations challenges of the 21st Century.
"Our thanks go to the outgoing Council members for their
hard work and commitment and we welcome these five leading figures
from the worlds of business, unions and academia. I am certain
that their experience will be extremely valuable to the work of
Acas in the years to come.
"Good employment relations are key to competitiveness and
business success. A growing number of businesses are recognising
this fact and turning to Acas for expert independent advice."
Notes to Editors
1. Acas aims to improve organisations and working life through
better employment relations. They provide up-to-date information,
independent advice, high-quality training and work with employers
and employees to solve workplace problems and improve performance.
More information can be found at http://www.acas.org.uk. It is an
independent statutory body governed by a Council of twelve
consisting of the Acas Chair, employer, trade union and
independent members.
2. The new appointments were made by the Secretary of State,
following an open selection process conducted in accordance with
the guidance issued by the Office of Commissioner for Public
Appointments, and in conformity with section 248 of the Trade
Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. This places a
requirement on the Secretary of State to consult organisations
representing employers and organisations representing workers on
certain appointments.
3. Jonathan Michie, Susan Anderson, Derek Simpson, Debbie Coulter
and Peter Bennett's appointments started on 1 May 2007. The
appointments are for three years, ending on 30 April 2010. They
will each receive an annual payment of £1576 and, in addition,
£160 for each day they work on Council business.
4. Political Activities:
Debbie Coulter OBE: Details of political activity
* Spoken on
behalf of a party or candidate
* Canvassed on behalf of a
party or helped at election
Name of Party of which activity undertaken
* Labour Party -
Individual member and National Executive Committee Representative
Derek Simpson: Details of political activity
* Spoken on
behalf of a party or candidate
* Canvassed on behalf of a
party or helped at election
Name of Party of which activity undertaken
* Labour Party -
Trade Union support
Jonathan Michie, Peter Bennett and Susan Anderson have undertaken
no political activities
Ministerial appointments: The only appointee to currently hold
another Ministerial appointment is Susan Anderson. She is a member
of the Low Pay Commission and is entitled to £232.72 for each day
worked on commission business.
5. The existing members of the Acas Council are
Rita Donaghy
CBE, Chair;
Sarah Anderson CBE, member of the Small Business Council;
Simon Auerbach, Partner, Pattinson and Brewer Solicitors;
Su Jenkins, Solicitor and Former Head of Employment Law at Sainsbury's;
John McMullen, Partner, Watson Burton LLP;
Dave Prentis,
General Secretary of Unison;
Sarah Veale, Head of Equality and Employment Rights at the TUC
6. The outgoing members are William Coupar MBE, John Cridland
CBE, Tony Dubbins, Ronnie McDonald CBE and John Steele.
Department of Trade and Industry
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