She will step down from the role of chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to take up her new post this August, replacing Geraldine Peacock CBE. Dame Leather will also resign her chairmanship of School Food Trust, a post she has held since the organisation's inception last year, to concentrate on her new job.

“Charities are uniquely important to our society and the Commission has a vital role to play in supporting them, both individually and collectively,” Dame Leather said, commenting on her new role. “Ensuring that charities deliver public benefit in exchange for the advantages which come with charitable status is set to become and increasingly key responsibility of the Commission and the next few years will be particularly significant for the charitable sector and the Commission as it implements the proposed new legislation.”

Charity Commission chief executive Andrew Hind said he was pleased to welcome Dame Leather as chair. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and this is an excellent appointment,” he said. “She brings wide experience of voluntary sector issues and a track record in innovation and organisational change. I very much look forward to working with her on the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Minister Ed Miliband also expressed his interest in working with the new chair on a range of issues, including the Charities Bill. “This is a tremendously important and exciting time for the Charity Commission, and her appointment is great news for the whole third sector,” he said. Miliband also thanked Peacock for her three years service at the Commission.