17 October 2003
Audit Commission chair James Strachan has appointed Frances Done, the former chief executive of Manchester's 2002 Commonwealth Games, as the watchdog's new head of local government, housing and criminal justice.
Done will become managing director of the three policy areas in November. Her move forms part of Strachan's 'first phase' restructuring of the fast-expanding public services watchdog.
The commission assumed responsibility for housing and criminal justice inspection earlier this year. Done will report to Steve Bundred, the body's new chief executive, and will be one of five influential MDs under the expanded regime.
Before the Manchester post, Done was chief executive and treasurer at Rochdale Council and has also worked for the Housing Corporation.
Bundred said her task, fuelled by her 'inside knowledge' of local government and housing, will be to drive improvement in public services.
Done said: 'I am 100% committed to the commission's aim of improving services and am looking forward to the new challenges of the housing and criminal justice work.'
PFoct2003
