Government names preferred candidate for chair of Office of Environmental Protection

Environment secretary, George Eustice, has selected Dame Glenys Stacey as the preferred candidate for chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) that will be created under the Environment Bill.

Dame Glenys (pictured) is, until 31 December, acting chief regulator at Ofqual. A panel of five assessed each of the candidates prior to consideration by the environment secretary.

The OEP will provide scrutiny and advice on the implementation of environmental law and monitor and report on progress in environmental improvement. It will be able to receive and investigate complaints on alleged serious breaches of environmental law by public authorities. It will also be able to take legal action in serious cases.