Charity Commission Board strengthened with more expertise

The Secretary of State has appointed Rory Brooks CBE, Shrenik Davda, and Mark Simms for three-year terms each commencing 27 March 2023.

Orlando Fraser KC, Chair of the Charity Commission, told Charity Today: 

“I am extremely pleased with these three Board appointments, all of which, in differing ways, add to the expertise of the Board of the Charity Commission.

“Mark Simms is a legendary charity sector CEO, known especially for his work at the Rugby Portobello Trust during the Grenfell Tragedy. I know him well from his charity work, and he is a terrific appointment.

“Shrenik Davda has immense experience in large project delivery, foreign aid, and Ukraine, as well as regulatory experience from his continuing work at IPSO.

“Rory Brooks is an ideal person to help the Charity Commission’s efforts to improve philanthropic giving amongst the top 1%. He has been recognised with a CBE for his own substantial philanthropy, especially to Manchester University (where he currently serves as Chair of its International Advisory Board), and has consistently promoted philanthropy, including previous service on a UK Government Task Force on Philanthropy.”

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Charity Commission are remunerated £350 per day for approximately 24 days per year. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Shrenik Davda and Mark Simms have not declared any significant political activity. Rory Brooks has declared financial donations to the Conservative and Unionist Party, recorded on the Electoral Commission.