The Legal Services Commission today announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Carolyn Regan, arriving from her role as Chief Executive of North East London Strategic Health Authority. 

Carolyn has been with the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) since April 2002 and has 25 years experience in strategic leadership and operational management. At the SHA she has focused on transforming services for vulnerable people from diverse communities in the context of increasing demand, as well as on leading national partnerships with service providers.

Carolyn will join the Commission on Monday 25 September 2006.

The Commission faces a challenging time as it sets out to take forward the Carter reforms and to transform itself to meet the demands of the future. Commenting on her appointment Carolyn said:

"I am delighted to be taking up this important post at a vital time of change. I look forward to working with the Chair, Commissioners, the Executive Team, DCA, service providers and all of the LSC's staff and clients to progress the recommendations of the Carter Review."

Chair of the LSC, Sir Michael Bichard, welcomed Carolyn, saying:

"Carolyn has a wealth of leadership and management experience gained at the most senior level in the health service. I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to attract a person of her calibre to the post of Chief Executive."

At the same time Sir Michael announced the retirement of Brian Harvey OBE, currently the Acting Chief Executive, at the end of September. He described Brian as a key figure in the development of the Commission since he joined it 17 years ago.

Sir Michael said his commitment to continuously improving the quality of services for some of the most vulnerable people in society has been unswerving. He said much of the inspiration and drive behind Preferred Supplier initiative came from Brian's vision. S

Sir Michael said: "Brian's support has been invaluable since I became Chair and he has given the Commission the leadership it has needed at a time of fundamental change. I am grateful to Brian for having agreed to remain Acting Chief Executive until a permanent appointment could be made."

Brian Harvey commented:

"It has been a pleasure working at the Commission. I believe in the value of legal aid because people who know about their rights and can act on them are able to play a fuller part in society. It has been inspiring to work with so many great people so committed to improving quality of advice for clients and value to the taxpayer."

Notes to Eds:

1. After joining the Legal Aid Board as Director of Personnel in 1989, Brian took on the role of Director of Resources and Supplier Development in April 1996. In June 2004, Brian took up the post of LSC Deputy Chief Executive and became Acting Chief Executive in June 2005 after Clare Dodgson, the LSC's Chief Executive, was unable to return to work following a serious fall. This year Brian was awarded an OBE for services to the Administration of Justice in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
2. Ahead of Brian's retirement Carolyn will be involved in an induction process throughout the month of September to ensure a smooth handover.