MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
News Release (034/08) issued by The Government News Network on 6 May 2008
Sir Michael
Bichard has today announced that he will take up a new post as
Director of a new Institute for Government, funded by the Gatsby
Charitable Foundation, in September 2008. He will therefore be
standing down as Chair of the Legal Services Commission at the end
of August.
Commenting on Sir Michael's resignation, Justice Secretary
Jack Straw said:-
"I would like to thank Michael for the commitment and
dedication he has shown as Chair of the Legal Services Commission.
He leaves the Commission in a much stronger position than when he
took up his post, and I wish him well in his new role."
The Legal Aid Minister Lord Hunt added:-
"Michael has brought vast experience and exceptional
leadership to the role of Chair of the Commission. He has led the
LSC through a very demanding period of reform over the past three
years, delivering a sustainable system of legal aid. I am sorry to
see him go."
Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive of the Legal Services Commission commented:-
"Michael has steered the LSC through some of its most
challenging times and its periods of greatest achievement. I have
been privileged to work with him and to learn from his skills and
experience at first hand."
A recruitment exercise to find a new Chair of the Legal Services
Commission will be launched shortly. The appointment will be made
in accordance with guidance from the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Notes for Editors
1. The Legal Services Commission is the public body that runs the
legal aid scheme in England and Wales, with an annual budget of
approximately £2.1 billion per annum. Working in partnership with
solicitors' firms, barristers and advice agencies, it ensures
that some of society's most vulnerable people get the
information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide
range of problems.
2. The LSC is currently implementing major legal aid reforms to
ensure a sustainable system focused on access to quality legal
services for clients and value for money for the taxpayer.
3. In addition to the Chair, Sir Michael Bichard, there are
currently eleven Commissioners. The Chief Executive, Carolyn
Regan, is responsible to the Commissioners and is supported by
four executive directors.
4. Appointments of Legal Services Commissioners are made by the
Lord Chancellor in accordance with the Access to Justice Act 1999
and guidance from the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
ENDS
http://www.justice.gov.uk