Portman Group: Former Barnardo’s CEO Martin Narey named chairman of Independent Complaints Panel

Martin Narey: new chairman of the Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel

Former chief executive of Barnardo’s Martin Narey has been appointed as the new chairman of the Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel for irresponsible alcohol marketing.

Narey is also the former CEO of the National Offender Management Service as well as the Government advisor on adoption and sits on the Advertising Standards Authority broadcast and non-broadcast councils.

He will lead the panel of eight independent members that consider complaints raised under the Portman Group Code of Practice for responsible alcohol marketing. Complaints are raised by members of the public and other interested parties.

Sir Richard Tilt, former director general of the Prison Service will step down at the end of December after a six year term of office. During his tenure 54 rulings have been made and 32 irresponsible products removed from sale or withdrawn.

“I am delighted to take on the chairmanship of this independent and highly respected panel,” said Narey. “It is imperative that alcohol is not marketed irresponsibly or in a way that might appeal to children and it is the panel’s responsibility to ensure cases are heard fairly and objectively. I am very much looking forward to this role.”

Henry Ashworth, chief executive of the Portman Group said: “This Chairmanship is fundamental to the effective and respected operation of the self-regulatory system that governs alcohol marketing in the UK and Martin will bring the highest degree of expertise and judgement to the role.

“He takes over the role from Sir Richard Tilt who has been an excellent and highly valued Chairman for the past six years. I would like to thank him for his work in contributing to a responsible alcohol marketing environment and his strong leadership of the panel throughout his tenure.”