Charity Commission appoints new board member

A former accountant and current housing association chair has joined the Charity Commission’s board.

Chartered accountant Will Lifford joined the regulator’s board last week, replacing former KPMG partner Mike Ashley, whose term ended last November.

Lifford was a partner at accountancy firm Grant Thornton for 25 years before retiring more than a decade ago.

Since has held a number of public and voluntary sector roles since. This has included chairing Martin House Children’s Hospice and board positions at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Entrust, the regulator of the Landfill Communities Fund.

He is currently chair of housing association Yorkshire Housing, which manages 18,000 homes across Yorkshire. He is also currently a board member of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, where he chairs its audit and risk assurance committee.

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the Charity Commission and look forward to working with the rest of the Board and the executive team. The Commission plays a vital role in ensuring charities maximise their impact in society, and I look forward to helping ensure the Commission delivers on its ambitious strategy in the years ahead,” said Lifford.

Charity Commission chair Baroness Stowell added: “I am really pleased to welcome Will to the Commission.

“He brings more regional diversity to the Board and together with his extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of accountancy and audit, as well as his experience of strategic leadership in the voluntary sector and regulation, will make a vital contribution to the Commission as we continue to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust – all the more important during these challenging times.”