Dame Amelia Fawcett reappointed as Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Environment Secretary George Eustice has reappointed Dame Amelia Fawcett as Chair of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The Environment Secretary, George Eustice, has today (3 March) reappointed Dame Amelia Fawcett as Chair of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for a second term. The reappointment will run from 26 October 2022 to 26 October 2025.
Chair of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Dame Amelia Fawcett, said:
I am so honoured to have been reappointed Chair of Kew - a remarkable and important institution both nationally and globally.
Kew’s world-renowned gardens and world-leading plant science make it a considerable resource for understanding and protecting plants and fungi, and for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
It is the greatest privilege to be able to continue to help Kew deliver its ambitious Manifesto for Change, Science Strategy and Sustainability Strategy, build on its highly impactful presence at COP26, and play a major role in addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Richard Deverell, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said:
I am delighted that the Environment Secretary has confirmed Amelia for a second term. She is an outstanding and extremely hardworking Chair for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and is full of ambition for Kew’s continued success. I very much look forward to continuing to work with her over the coming three years.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said:
Dame Amelia has been an excellent ambassador for Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. She has helped to enhance its global reputation as a scientific leader in biodiversity research. I look forward to continuing to work with her.
The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be declared. Amelia has declared that she has not taken part in any significant political activity in the past five years.
Dame Amelia Fawcett biography
- Dame Amelia is currently the Lead Independent Director for State Street Corporation and a Member of the Board of Governors of the Wellcome Trust.
- Her previous recent roles include Chair of Kinnevik AB in Sweden, Chair of the Standards Board for Alternative Investments, and a Non-Executive member of the Board of HM Treasury.
- She has been Chairman of the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation and Deputy Chairman and Governor of the London Business School.
- Dame Amelia has over 35 years of experience in the banking industry and is also the owner of Chilcott & Company Ltd, a lavender farm which she founded in Wales in 2014.
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development in the UK and around the world.
- Kew Gardens is a major international, and top London, visitor attraction. Its 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, attract over 2.5 million visits every year.
- Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019.
- Wakehurst is home to Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world, as well as over 500 acres of designed landscapes, wild woodlands, ornamental gardens, and a nature reserve.
- The Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre is Kew’s third research centre and only overseas office.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding to support Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales.