The Office of the Third Sector has appointed Baroness Jill Pitkeathly OBE as chair of its new advisory body.

The body, which will act as an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), is planned to be fully staffed and up and running for May this year. It will be tasked with advising ministers on the implementation of the Third Sector Review commitments, as well as interpreting and developing policy and providing practical advise on current issues affecting the sector.

Baroness Pitkeathly herself became a Life Peer in 1997, having started her career in social work before moving into the voluntary sector. She has been chief executive of the Carers National Association (now Carers UK), chair of the New Opportunities Fund, chair of the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) and chair of the Home Office Advisory Panel for Futurebuilders. In 2007 she became president of Eurocarers, an organisation aimed at promoting the interests of carers within Europe. Her position with the Advisory Body will continue until March 2011.

Commenting on her appointment, Baroness Pitkeathly said: “"I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as chair of the OTS Advisory Body. No matter which part of the third sector you are associated with this is an exciting and challenging time. I look forward to working with colleagues from all organisations both local and national, small and large, and the rest of the panel when it is appointed, to ensure that the voice of our sector is as strong as possible."