Rachel Cerfontyne has been appointed as the first chair of the new Community Engagement Board. She spent her early years in Feltham, started life as a social worker and has over twenty years’ experience in leading public sector and charitable organizations. Her most recent role was as Deputy Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, where she oversaw their two largest investigations: the Hillsborough Disaster and the Rotherham Child Sexual Abuse scandal.
Commenting on her appointment, Rachel Cerfontyne said:
“My highest priority is getting out and about, meeting people in the local communities and hearing their views. I am keen to listen and learn and to ensure that the membership and activities of the HCEB are shaped by the key stakeholders, especially Heathrow’s closest neighbours. I’ve already started meeting with local community representatives and over the coming weeks and months look forward to engaging formally and informally from all who have a view on and a relationship with the airport.”
The Community Engagement Board replaces the Consultative Committee. It has taken over the function of the Consultative Committee of holding Heathrow to account on day to day matters but will have the additional function of holding the airport to account as it consults on its detailed plans for a third runway.