HM Treasury
Sir Christopher will take over from Dame Kate Barker and will join non-executive member Lord Terry Burns in overseeing the governance and independence of the OBR. Together, they will support the Budget Responsibility Committee; Chair of the OBR, Robert Chote; Professor Sir Charlie Bean and Graham Parker; in taking forward the strategic aims of the OBR.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said:
I am pleased to appoint Sir Christopher Kelly as a non-executive member at the Office for Budget Responsibility. Sir Christophers expertise and experience will bring real value as he works to maintain the OBRs exceptionally high standards in carrying out its important public duties.
I would also like to thank Dame Kate Barker for her significant contribution to the work and standing of the OBR over the last six years, and wish her every success in her future plans.
Chairman of the OBR Robert Chote said:
I am delighted that the Chancellor has agreed to appoint Sir Chris as a non-executive member of the OBR. He will bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the oversight board, further enhancing the OBRs governance and independence.
I would also like to thank Dame Kate Barker for her hard work and valuable insight over the past six years. As one of the first non-executive members she has contributed a great deal to the early successes of the OBR.
Further information
Sir Christopher Kelly has had a distinguished career in the civil service, serving in various roles in HM Treasury and the Department of Social Security, ending his civil service career as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health between 1997 and 2000.
Since then he has led on a number of reviews and chaired a wide range of committees and organisations including the NSPCC, Financial Ombudsman Service and the Committee on Standards in Public Life. He is currently chair of the Kings Fund and the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, a senior independent non-executive director on the board of the Co-op Group and a member of the Advisory Board to the Institute of Business Ethics.