HFEA and HTA announce new Chairs

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) have both announced new appointments as their Chair.

Sally Cheshire, who has been the HFEA's interim Chair since Professor Lisa Jardine stepped down when her term came to an end in January, was
appointed permanent Chair by the Minister for Public Health, Jane Ellison.

Cheshire has been an Authority member since 2006 and has
chaired the Audit and Governance Committee and Licence Committee. She is
described as a 'businesswoman, finance professional and health leader of over
20 years' experience'.

Discussing the appointment, Ellison said: 'Sally has a
strong record of leadership and governance in the NHS. She is the right person
to lead the HFEA forward in promoting the interests of patients and ensuring a
proportionate and sensitive approach to regulation of the fertility sector'.

Cheshire said: 'I'm proud to have been appointed Chair of
the HFEA and to take on this role at a time when the organisation's future is
newly secure, and it can confidently oversee this exciting and ever-evolving
sector'.

The HTA also announced a new Chair, Sharmila Nebhrajani, who
is currently chief executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities
and was a member of the Human Tissue Authority previously.

Speaking on Nebhrajani's appointment, Ellison
commented: 'Sharmila brings a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience to
the role. We are fortunate that as a former member of the HTA, she already has
an excellent understanding of the public's expectations of the HTA'.

Ms Nebhrajani said: 'I am absolutely delighted to be
appointed. It is good to be back with the HTA and to find it in a strong
position to tackle the challenges of the future'.

Dr Alan Clamp, chief executive of the HTA said: 'I am looking forward to working closely
with Sharmila to ensure the HTA's continued success in protecting the
public interest by ensuring tissue and organs are used safely and
ethically, with proper consent'.