OREANDA-NEWS. September 09, 2015. Ceri Witchard has been appointed as the Regulator of Community Interest Companies (CICs), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Ms Witchard will leave her post as Deputy Director for Innovation at the Intellectual Property Office, taking over from the current Regulator, Sara Burgess.

Welcoming the appointment, Business Minister Baroness Neville Rolfe said:

Ceri Witchard brings a wealth of experience to the role of Regulator of Community Interest Companies and will play a vital role in supporting the set-up and development of Community Interest Companies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sara Burgess for her work and commitment to the role and wish her well for the future.

On her appointment, Ceri Witchard said:

I am delighted to be taking on the role of Regulator of Community Interest Companies at such an exciting time. CICs are a vital part of the UK economy, delivering both economic growth and community support. I look forward to supporting the sector as it continues to grow.

The Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies decides whether an organisation is eligible to become, or continue to be, a community interest company. It is responsible for investigating complaints - taking action if necessary - and it provides guidance and assistance to help people set up CICs.

Notes to editors

  1. Ceri Witchard will formally become the Regulator on 14 September 2015 and will hold the post in tandem with the role of Director of Strategy at Companies House.
  2. The Regulator of Community Interest Companies is a part-time post supported by staff from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is based in Companies House, Cardiff.
  3. The term of office for the Regulator of Community Interest Companies must not exceed 5 years.