The Government Property Agency has announced that Pat Ritchie CBE will continue as Chair for a further three years.
After coming into the role in 2020, Ritchie has led the department to ensure that the government’s property estate is one of improved connectivity, quality, and environmental sustainability. This is done through her work alongside the board and executive team, with today’s announcement coming alongside the recent news that Mark Bourgeois has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer.
Ritchie has experience in local government, economic development and real estate, as well as in how regional growth can be supported by major investment programmes. Her local government experience also includes more than eight years as Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, overseeing millions of pounds worth of regeneration projects.
Speaking about the announcement, Ritchie said:
“The GPA has already made great strides in creating a more modern, joined-up and efficient estate and I look forward to building on this success in my second term as Chair. I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do, and my focus will continue to be on making sure we deliver a great experience for our clients and looking at how our activity can deliver wider benefits across the UK. By creating fantastic places that bring government teams closer to the communities they serve, we’re enabling our Civil Service to make the best possible impact it can while opening up opportunities for more people to enjoy rewarding public sector careers.”
Currently, a hugely ambitious workplace programme is being led by the Government Property Agency, with tens of thousands of civil servants being relocated away from London. This is alongside the Government Hubs programme that will allow civil servants to collaborate in new, modern workplaces away from the capital.
With the additional three-year term, Ritchie will now continue in the role of Chair of the GPA until 2027.
Image credit: iStock and the Cabinet Office
