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Serious Fraud Office welcomes two new non-executive directors

1 June, 2022 | News Releases

 

Portrait shots of James Thompson and Claire Bassett

The Serious Fraud Office is today announcing the appointment of two new board members, Claire Bassett and James Thomson.

Claire takes up her new post today (1 June) and James will start in August. Both are initially appointed to serve a three year term.

Claire Bassett

Claire has held senior positions across the public sector, many with a focus on the criminal justice system. She was Deputy Director General at the Independent Office for Police Conduct until May of this year and has previously held executive posts at the Department for International Trade, the Electoral Commission, the Parole Board for England and Wales and the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Claire is also current vice-chair and trustee at the Internet Watch Foundation, an organisation that works within the UK and internationally to make the internet safer.

Claire said: “I am delighted to be joining the SFO. Its work has never been more important in tackling fraud, bribery and corruption. I look forward to joining the team.”

James Thomson

James has held senior leadership positions across the private and public sectors and is currently chief executive of MJ Gleeson plc. He is also chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, chair of the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group and a board member for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. He is a councillor at the City of London Corporation, a board member of Bridge House Estates Trust and a governor at the City of London School. James is a chartered accountant and spent his earlier career in financial services with PwC, HSBC and Deutsche Bank.

James said: “Tackling fraud is critical to UK competitiveness and an ongoing priority for me. I look forward to making a difference in this important role at the SFO.”

Lisa Osofsky, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: “I am pleased to welcome Claire and James to the SFO. They both bring a wealth of experience from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including in relation to the justice system. The SFO Board will benefit from their knowledge and skills – and I very much look forward to working with them.”