The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is set to appoint Priya Singh as its next chair.
Singh, who spent more than 20 years at the membership body the Medical Protection Society, is due to take up the role at the umbrella body’s annual general meeting next month, subject to member approval.
The NCVO said Singh (pictured right) has a background in general practice, specialising in medical law, ethics and patient safety.
She would become the first person of colour to chair the organisation.
Singh is set to succeed Anne Heal, who has been in the position on an interim basis since Peter Kellner stepped down last year after three years in post.
Singh is executive director of the Society for Assistance of Medical Families, a mutual benevolent fund with charitable status and an NCVO member; a non-executive director of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; a member of the London Policing Ethics Panel; and an associate of Working With Cancer, a social enterprise helping people with cancer to return to and remain in work.
She is due to be appointed for an initial three-year term with the possibility of a further three years.
NCVO president Baroness Pitkeathley, who led the recruitment process, described Singh as the standout candidate in a high-quality field.
“Her background in medicine, risk and healthcare business and charity leadership means that she brings valuable skills and extensive governance experience,” she said.
Singh said: “Recent months have brought into sharp focus the vital role that charities and volunteers play in society, doing whatever it takes during the pandemic to support the communities we serve.
“We need to do all that we can to support them, amplifying voices and maximising impact. I look forward to bringing my experience in leading membership organisations to give sharp focus to the things that NCVO can do to support its members and the wider sector.”
The NCVO’s annual general meeting is due to take place on 23 November.