News story

New ICAI Chief Commissioner appointed

Jillian Popkins will lead the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

  • Jillian Popkins will lead the Independent Commission for Aid Impact
  • Her appointment is backed by a committee of cross-party MPs
  • She will examine the UK’s international development spend for impact and value for money

Minister for International Development Anneliese Dodds is pleased to confirm, following endorsement by the International Development Committee, the appointment of Jillian Popkins as Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI). She will head up ICAI’s work scrutinising the government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend for both impact and value for money.  

Jillian Popkins is an experienced international development professional, with a career focusing on poverty and social justice. She was recently Interim Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy, Programmes and Safeguarding at UNICEF UK.  

She has worked for the UK Government, international organisations, and leading NGOs in the UK, Ethiopia and China, where she has held a range of executive, policy and programme management roles.  She is also a Trustee of the Baring Foundation. 

The appointment process was conducted in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Governance for Public Appointments.  

Notes: 

  • ICAI was set up in 2011 and produces reviews covering all aspects of UK government spending of Official Development Assistance (ODA). It reports to Parliament through the International Development Committee, a select committee of cross-party MPs.   

  • All public appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process. 

  • Ms Popkins’ start date will be confirmed in due course.

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Updates to this page

Published 18 December 2024