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'.

Reproduced from BioNews with permission, a web- and email-based source of news, information and comment on assisted reproduction and human genetics, published by Progress Educational Trust.