Sir Jon Shortridge takes over as Chairman of UK volunteering charity CSV

The UK’s leading volunteering and training charity, CSV, today (Thursday 4th February 2010) confirmed the appointment of Sir Jon Shortridge KCB as its new Chairman.

Sir Jon, who lives in Cardiff, is an experienced public servant and leader and was Permanent Secretary in Wales for over nine years. He also worked in Whitehall. He began his career as a social researcher and town planner for 15 years.

Speaking about his unanimous appointment by CSV’s Council, Sir Jon said:

 “I’m looking forwards to chairing CSV through challenging times ahead, when people will be expecting more for less and when 11 million people tell researchers that they would volunteer if only they were asked. I’m excited by the prospect of helping CSV to develop how it operates in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Executive Director of CSV, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, said: “CSV is very excited by the prospect of a chairman bringing new ideas, skills and approaches to the organisation’s work to involve citizens of all ages in volunteering and training nationwide”.

CSV’s Chairman is elected to the post annually with a maximum tenure of 10 years agreed for this role. Sir Jon assumes this role as a volunteer and takes over from John Pulford who served as CSV’s Chairman for 34 years and has been appointed as a Vice President of CSV.

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 Highlights from Sir Jon’s CV since 1992

May 2009 to July 2009
Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Universities Innovation and Skills and subsequently – following its merger with BERR – at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

March 1999 to May 2008
Permanent Secretary in Wales – of the Welsh Office until July 1999; of the National Assembly for Wales from May 1999 to June 2007; of the Welsh Assembly Government from June 2007 to May 2008. Established the National Assembly for Wales and, as permanent secretary, successfully embedded devolution in Wales.

March 1997 to March 1999
Director General - Economic Affairs, Welsh Office

September 1992 to March 1997
Director – Local Government (Wales)

Other highlights:
• Appointed Knight Commander of the Bath, 2002
• Companion of the Chartered Institute of Management, 2001
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts

Sir Jon married his wife, Diana in 1972 and they have two children: Clare (34) and James (31).

Further press information:

Jason Tanner or Melissa Goss on 020 7812 0038/37 or 07941 433598

Notes for editors

1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. Last year 167,064 people gave their time as volunteers through CSV. The charity trained 12,196 people of all ages