Stoker was previously the director general of the National Lottery and chief executive of the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund, and is a former Chief Charity Commissioner.

His appointment was welcomed by the sector. Chris Kelly, chair of both the Compact Working Group and the NSPCC, said: “Ensuring implementation of the Compact principles happens everywhere still needs work. John’s appointment gives a real chance to make a step change in the relationship between the public and voluntary sectors, from which everyone will benefit.”

Saskia Daggett, Compact advocacy programme manager at NCVO, said the Commissioner’s work would give the Compact greater strength. “The Commissioner’s research on the relationship between the voluntary and public sectors will enable us to see what the problems and issues are, in order for us to move forward with the implementation of the Compact.”

Stoker will take up his post on 1 October, and his first priorities will include strengthening the Compact. He will work with ministers, senior government officials, regional funding bodies and charity chief executives.

Minister for the third sector Ed Miliband welcomed Stoker to his new role. “A close and productive working relationship between government and voluntary and community sector organisations is paramount to helping lift the barriers to better performance that exist on both sides,” he said. “I look forward to working with the Commissioner for the Compact and the new organisation to make this relationship stronger.”