About John Stoker

Versatile consultant: senior experience as Chair, Chief Executive and non-executive

I have had a wide and varied experience spanning regulation, the voluntary and community sector and central Government. Organisations in which I have worked have had in common the aim of improving conditions and opportunities for people and communities, regionally or nationally.

Between 1999 and 2005, I was the Chief Commissioner (executive Chair) of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, having previously served as the Director General of OFLOT, the National Lottery regulator. Earlier, I was the Regional Director of the Government's Office for Merseyside, chairing the EU-supported "Objective One" programme for regenerating Liverpool's and Merseyside's infrastructure and strengthening their economy and skills base. I led the London Bombings Fund through its set-up stage in 2005. During 2006 and 2007 I was the first Commissioner for the Compact - advising the voluntary and community sector and Government about groundrules that should be followed on matters such as funding and consultation when they work together. Since 2005 I have been a member of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and I serve on the Law Society's Audit Committee. I am a Director of the Responsible Gambling Fund and a trustee and advisor of national charities dealing with the environment, charity investments,animal welfare and housing management.

I aim to base my consultancy work on sharp analysis, political and strategic awareness, high standards tempered with realism, careful listening, clear communication and respect and consideration for people. I work well in a crisis: quick to learn, calm, decisive and able to form and motivate teams quickly. I am London-based but welcome assignments elsewhere in the UK and abroad (I am a French speaker).