Non-executive directors are senior figures from outside government, appointed to provide challenge to departments. They are appointed directly by the Secretary of State and are not civil servants. Their role is to:
- give advice to ministers and officials on the operational and delivery implications of policy proposals
- provide independent support, guidance and challenge on the progress and implementation of the department's strategic direction
- advise on performance and monitor implementation of the department's business plans
David Bernstein has been chairman of the British Red Cross since 2015 and brings a wealth of business experience. In 2014 he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to football.
Heather Savory has 30 years' experience in the public and private sector. She is currently a non-executive director within the UK Parliament Authority for the House of Lords and was previously Director General for Data Capability at the Office for National Statistics.
Nick Folland was chief executive of the Crown Prosecution Service between 2016 and 2018. He is also the Senior Independent Member of the Natural Environment Research Council - the UK's leading public funder of environmental science.
