New Chair appointed to lead Senior Salaries Review Body

Today, Thursday 17 October 2024, the Government has announced that Lea Paterson will be the new Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

Lea brings extensive experience from public policy, regulation, HR and financial journalism. She has held a number of senior roles at the Bank of England, including serving as the Bank's Executive Director of People & Culture, and as the organisation's first Director of Independent Evaluation. 

Lea is currently a Board Member at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, an independent member of Warwick University's Remuneration Committee, and a Civil Service Commissioner. She also holds a number of voluntary and community roles. 

As Chair of the SSRB, Lea will provide strong leadership at a senior level and a clear direction of the policy, financial and operational levers that impact on remuneration decisions, especially in the public sector. 

The SSRB provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and senior ministers on the pay of many of the nation's top public servants. 

The SSRB's remit covers senior civil servants, the judiciary, the senior military, certain senior managers in the NHS, Police and Crime Commissioners and chief police officers.

This is a Prime Ministerial appointment with Cabinet Office being the sponsoring department. The appointment process for this role was in full accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.

The Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 

Congratulations to Lea on her appointment as Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body. 

This role requires someone with financial expertise, strong leadership skills and dedication to public service, and Lea's skills and experience across many relevant fields will be invaluable. 

I wish her the best of luck in her new role.

Lea Paterson, incoming Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body, said: 

I'm delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body.  

I'm looking forward to working with colleagues to deliver independent, evidence-based advice that not only helps to attract and retain great talent for our public services, but also ensures value for money for the taxpayer.   

I would also like to thank the outgoing Chair Pippa Lambert for her sterling leadership of the SSRB.