Sector reacts to Orlando Fraser verdict: “It was a mistake not to rerun the appointment process”

Sector bodies have released statements condemning the choice not to rerun the recruitment process for the Charity Commission chair after DCMS’ decision not to support the appointment of Orlando Fraser.

Earlier today, MPs rejected the selection of the government’s preferred candidate to be the next chair of the Charity Commission, Orlando Fraser.

Members of the Digital, Culture Media and Sport Committee said the selection process has been marred by controversy and a lack of diversity.

Alex Farrow, head of networks and influencing at NCVO said: “We have argued for a long time that parliament needs to be central to the process of appointing the Chair of the Charity Commission. The government should carefully consider the implications of continuing to appoint a candidate who does not have the backing of parliament.

“We agree that Orlando Fraser has the experience and understanding of the sector required to do the job, and we were pleased that he stressed the importance of the independence of the Commission to the committee.

“We believe it was a mistake not to rerun the appointment process. This would have provided confidence in the process and enabled a more diverse and representative shortlist to have been developed.”

ACEVO also put out a statement on Twitter asking the government to rethink its approach.

1/4 Following the decision by the @DCMS committee to reject the candidacy of Orland Fraser as the next chair of the Charity Commission, we ask the government to rethink its approach
— ACEVO (@ACEVO) March 31, 2022

“Alongside the others in the voluntary sector, ACEVO has repeatedly called for the appointment process for the next chair to be rerun in full and for greater diversity in the candidates.

"Therefore, ACEVO supports many of the conclusions in the committee’s report.

“While Mr Fraser demonstrated the competency required to perform the role, it is vital that the leadership of the commission has the support of parliament, the voluntary sector and the public.

“The decision not to endorse Mr Fraser has been reached following cross-party public scrutiny and should be respected as part of the democratic process.”