Press release

Richard Macdonald appointed to the Environment Agency Board

Richard Macdonald has been appointed to the Board of the Environment Agency by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Owen Paterson.

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

Board members provide non-executive leadership challenge and support to the executive through regular Board meetings, committees and groups. They also undertake individual lead roles on relevant issues and with local operational teams.

The appointment took effect from 1 June 2013 with a remuneration of £16,802 per annum.

All appointments to the Environment Agency Board are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The appointments comply with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body, set up under the Environment Act 1995 to take an integrated approach to environmental protection and enhancement in England.

It has major responsibilities in flood management, water resources and quality, climate change, land quality, chemicals, pollution prevention and control, waste, conservation and biodiversity, fisheries conservation, air quality and navigation.

Biographical details of Richard Macdonald

Richard has recently stepped down as the Chair of the Better Regulation Task Force taking on responsibility for its implementation. He has a strong farming background and was the Chief Executive of the National Farmers’ Union from 1996 - 2009.

He is a Governor of the Royal Agricultural College and a Trustee of Farm Africa and the Earth Trust. Richard is currently a Non-Executive Director at Dairy Crest and Moy Park and is also the Vice Chairman of the National Institute for Agricultural Botany.

Published 14 June 2013