Helen Ghosh Named Chair of Environmental Protection Office

Helen Ghosh Chair Environmental Protection has been appointed as the new Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) by Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and Andrew Muir, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Dame Helen will officially step into this role on 1 June 2026, succeeding Julie Hill, who has served as Interim Chair until 30 May 2026. Dame Helen expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Office for Environmental Protection. She stated, "I am delighted to be joining the Office for Environmental Protection at this crucial time. The Office has done a great job in its first six years in achieving real environmental improvement through its challenge and advice to Government and regulators. It has shown expertise, independence, and integrity in addressing issues that are vital for both the natural world and the public." Her comments reflect a pressing need as the 2030 goal for the initial statutory improvement targets approaches quickly. Dame Helen emphasized, "Delivery of most of those is way off track, as it is for the ambitions set out in the Environmental Improvement Plans in England and Northern Ireland. It will be even more critical that the Office focuses relentlessly on the areas and actions that will make the most difference. I look forward to playing my part in that vital work alongside the Board, our team, and our stakeholders." Emma Reynolds conveyed her gratitude towards Julie Hill, stating, "I would like to thank Julie Hill for her time as Interim Chair and for providing stability and continuity to the board as we completed the process of appointing a permanent Chair. Dame Helen brings strong public service values and a wealth of experience to this role. We look forward to continuing to work with the OEP as we protect, restore, and improve our natural environment for current and future generations." Andrew Muir added, "I welcome Dame Helen Ghosh’s appointment as Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection and look forward to continuing to work positively together. The OEP’s independent challenge and guidance are vital as we address the environmental challenges ahead." This appointment follows a public hearing with the EFRA and EAC committees conducted on 28 April. A joint report on Dame Helen’s suitability for the role was published on 29 April. Her selection involved a thorough process adhering to the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. Biography: Dame Helen possesses extensive leadership experience spanning public and private sectors. She served for eight years as Master of Balliol College at Oxford University, undertaking significant governance roles and chairing the Conference of Colleges. With a solid background in governance and strategic oversight from prior roles—including Director General of the National Trust and a Senior Civil Servant—Dame Helen is well-equipped for her new position. She also brings extensive non-executive and trustee experience in environmental and conservation sectors, notably having spent seven years as a trustee on the Board of Action for Conservation. For more information, visit [Defra](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs) and [National Trust](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/). Learn more about environmental responsibilities at [Globe Migrant](https://www.globemigrant.com/environmental-responsibilities) and [Globe Migrant](https://www.globemigrant.com/conservation-initiatives). Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dame-helen-ghosh-appointed-as-chair-of-the-office-for-environmental-protection

Helen Ghosh Named Chair of Environmental Protection Office

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