Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sir Charles Dunstone CVO is a successful executive in the telecommunications and media sectors. He is the co-founder and former chairman of mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse, former chairman of multinational electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company Dixons Carphone and executive chairman of the TalkTalk Group, one of the largest telecommunications businesses in the UK. The Charles Dunstone Charitable Trust has awarded grants of over 11m since 2006 to fund programmes to reach vulnerable children, young people and communities. Sir Charles has been a Trustee of the Princes Trust since 2000 and Chairman from 2010 to 2015. In June 2012, he received a Knighthood for services to the telecommunications industry and his charitable work. In 2015 he was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for his work with The Princes Trust.
The role is not remunerated and this appointment is made in accordance with the Cabinet Offices Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Sir Charles has declared no personal political activity.