SEEDA is the Government-funded agency set up in 1999 responsible for the economic and social development of the South East of England. Its aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling the region's communities, while safeguarding its natural resources and cherishing its rich cultural heritage.
Robert Goldfield and Alex Pratt OBE will take up their three-year appointments on 14th December 2006, representing South East business. Fiona Pollard has also been appointed to represent South East business and took up her appointment from 1st September.
Councillor Sue John and Pamela Charlwood will take up their three-year appointments on 14th December 2006, representing Local Authorities and the Voluntary & Community Sector respectively.
Margaret Hodge said:
"The Regional Development Agencies have a crucial role to play as drivers of economic development in their region, working to reduce imbalances within and between regions. The South East of England Development Agency will be able to use the knowledge and expertise these appointments bring to help the region reach its full economic potential, boost productivity and create jobs and prosperity."
James Brathwaite, Chair of the SEEDA, said:
"The standard of candidate for the posts was again very high and reflects how far SEEDA has come and what it means to the region. My only disappointment was that we could not appoint all the great candidates we saw, including some senior politicians and some great business people."
Margaret Hodge today also announced the reappointment of three existing members of the SEEDA Board, Rob Anderson for two years and Peter Jones and Phil Wood, both for three years. The original appointments were made following open competition in accordance with the requirements set down in the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.
Peter Jones holds one other Ministerial appointment as a Commissioner for the Audit Commission, which attracts a remuneration of approximately £14,000 per year.
The other individuals detailed above do not hold any other ministerial appointments.
Regional Development Agency board posts attract a remuneration of £8,316 per year for a commitment of two days per month.
These appointments were made following open competition in accordance with the requirements set down in the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political affiliation plays no part in the selection process.
Within the last five years, individuals detailed above have undertaken the following political activities:
- Rob Anderson has obtained office as a local councillor for the Labour Party and has spoken on behalf of the party. He has also canvassed for the party or helped at elections as well as undertaking other political activities.
- Pamela Charlwood has declared that she has undertaken no political activity within the last five years.
- Robert Goldfield has declared that he has undertaken no political activity within the last five years.
- Sue John has obtained office as a local councillor for the Labour Party and has spoken on behalf of the party. She has also acted as political agent and as an officer of a local branch of the party and has canvassed for the party or helped at elections.
- Peter Jones has obtained office as a local councillor for the Conservative Party and has spoken on behalf of the party. He joined East Sussex County Council in 1997 and became Leader in 2001. He has also canvassed for the Conservative party or helped at elections as well as undertaking other political activities.
- Fiona Pollard has declared that she has undertaken no political activity within the last five years.
- Alex Pratt has declared that he has undertaken no political activity within the last five years.
- Phil Wood has spoken on behalf of the Labour Party or candidate. He has also acted as an officer of a local branch of the Labour Party and has canvassed on its behalf or helped at elections, as well as undertaking other political activities.
