Dr Kathryn Chamberlain OBE
Biography
Kathryn (Kate) Chamberlain was the first Chief Executive of the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (the IMA). During 2020 she led a programme to create this new organisation in response to commitments set out in the Withdrawal Agreements following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.
Prior to this Kate spent seven years as Chief Executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, ten years as the Welsh Government’s Chief Statistician and Head of Knowledge and Analytical Services, and ten years working for the Audit Commission and District Audit Wales undertaking reviews of public services across Wales and the Marches. Kate has a PhD in mathematical statistics and extensive experience in relation to regulation, governance, and evidence-based decision-making.
She was previously Chair of the Wales Audit Office and alongside her current role as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Wales Office she is also a Commissioner for the Jersey Care Commission.
Lead Non-Executive Director for the Wales Office
As Chair of the Wales Office Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and Outcome Delivery Plan (ODP) Implementation Committee and as a member of its Departmental Board, the Lead Non-Executive Director plays a key part in the effective and successful governance of the Department by:
- Ensuring the Departmental Board and ARAC define the vision, values, culture and strategy of the organisation and set a high standard for ethics and responsible conduct of public business.
- Ensuring the Departmental Board and ARAC maintain appropriate governance and internal controls, including ensuring sound financial, risk and performance management regimes are in place and the Department has the capacity to deliver.
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Actively challenging the Board on key issues including the Business Plan and Strategic Risks.
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Monitoring the delivery of the department’s ODP through effective leadership of the ODP Implementation Committee.
- Ensuring the Department’s Senior Management Team is subjected to constructive challenge in respect of the performance of the organisation; and
- Providing counsel, advice, and support to the Secretary of State for Wales and the executive team, acting as a sounding board and “critical friend” where necessary.