Birmingham Assay Office is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chairman, Carol Brady MBE. Carol succeeds Kate Hartigan following Kate’s retirement in October, after 14 years as Guardian, and 6 years as Chair of the Assay Office.
Kate said: “There have been some very great changes during this time, including the move of the entire business to new, purpose-built premises fronting Icknield St on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. Also, the launch of an off-shore hallmarking sub-office in India. It has been an honour to be involved in such significant changes.
I would like to thank all of my colleagues, including no less than three Assay Masters for their commitment, hard work and dogged determination during these turbulent times. It is good to know that with Carol; the Office has a very worthy and experienced new Chairman. She will now work with the Assay Master to develop strategies that will ensure future success and sustainability.”
Carol has extensive and broad experience in consumer and regulatory policy and currently runs her own business providing support and advice to others on such matters. She was previously the Chair of the Board of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and is currently the non-executive Chair of the board of the Claims Management Regulation Unit for the Ministry of Justice.
Carol is also an Independent Advisory Member for the Commission for Local Administration in England (Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman) and a Commissioner for the Gambling Commission.
Carol said: “I’m delighted to have been elected Chair of the Assay Office and have a hard act to follow after Kate. The Office is steeped in history, particularly regarding matters of consumer protection. The Hallmarking of precious metals is something I can easily identify with given my background in trading standards.”
Carol added “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Kate for all her hard work and dedication to the Office during her time as Chair. Kate has seen many changes at the Office during her time, not just in the business but also within the jewellery industry. I know that she has helped build a firm foundation from which we can continue to grow. The business will continue to diversify and that will keep it at the heart of the industry and protect consumers.”
Carol was awarded an MBE in June 2016 in recognition of her services to consumers and better regulation. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, an honour bestowed on her by her peers in 2009 in recognition of her contribution to the profession and for her work in consumer advice and education.
Commenting on the appointment, Doug Henry, CEO and Assay Master said: “I am delighted to welcome Carol as our new Chair. She brings with her valuable knowledge and experience and I am looking forward to working closely with her and seeing the Birmingham Assay Office go from strength to strength in the coming years. We can continue to maintain our strong Hallmarking presence, as well as develop new products and services that underpin consumer protection.”