Mavis McDonald takes over from Christopher Kelly at Public Sector Construction Clients' Forum

Dame Mavis McDonald is the new chair of government group, the Public Sector Construction Clients' Forum.

Dame Mavis McDonald

She follows Sir Christopher Kelly, who stood down from the role when he became chair of the Office for Standards in Public Life.

Nigel Smith, Office of Government Commerce chief executive, said: "In many ways she is an ideal candidate for the position.

"She has both extensive experience at the top of government together with a strong background in the government's improvement agenda in construction, housing, regeneration and sustainability."

The Public Sector Construction Clients’ Forum brings together the chief executives or commercial director of the main public sector clients. It looks at ways to co-ordinate construction procurement and introduced the fair payment standard in January.

Until her retirement Dame Mavis was permanent secretary at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and before that at the Cabinet Office. She is a trustee of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Dame Mavis takes up her appointment with immediate effect.