Press release

Dr Lee Rayfield, the Bishop of Swindon, appointed as a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

The Right Reverend Dr Lee Rayfield has been appointed as a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

He took up post on 23 April 2012.

He has been Bishop of Swindon, in the Diocese of Bristol, since 2005 and a Member of the Society of Ordained Scientists (Holy Order) since 1995.

Chair of the HFEA, Professor Lisa Jardine said:

“I am delighted that the Bishop of Swindon is joining us. The Authority deals with issues at the cutting edge of reproductive science and ethics. Bishop Lee’s extensive experience of scientific as well as ecclesiastical matters means he is well placed to contribute to this important work.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For media enquiries please ring the Department of Health newsdesk on 0207 210 4990.

2. Between 2000 and 2009 Bishop Lee Rayfield was a member of the UK Gene Therapy Advisory Committee.  Between 2000 and 2005 he was Area Dean of Maidenhead and Windsor in the Diocese of Oxford and between 1997 and 2005 was Priest in Charge (then Vicar) of St Peter’s with St Mark’s, Furze Platt, Maidenhead in the Diocese of Oxford.  He has published over 30 scientific papers and articles in peer-reviewed journals and text books, including Nature.

3. This appointment is made in accordance with the code for public appointments, issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.  All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Bishop Lee has declared no political activity.

4. Bishop Lee holds no other Ministerial public appointments.

5. The appointment is for three years and is remunerated at a rate of £7,883 for around 3 days per month.

6. For further information on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority visit the website.

Published 14 June 2012