Alumni Network Newsletter: September 2010

Welcome to the autumn issue of the Alumni Newsletter.

I'm pleased to be able to introduce myself to those of you I have not yet met, having joined the OFT just over two years ago as Executive Director for Corporate Services. This role includes responsibility for all the support services - Finance, HR, IT and accommodation among them. It also covers some key operational services, including consumer credit licensing and Consumer Direct.

As a member of the OFT Board I also get involved in work across the organisation. It is a fascinating role and I have found OFT a really interesting, worthwhile place to work.

For the five years before I joined the OFT I worked in the Health and Safety Executive as Director of Resources and Planning where I was responsible for the support services. I have a general Civil Service background, mainly in the Home Office where I did many different types of work. I became a finance specialist quite late in my career, and was in my fifties when I qualified as an accountant - it is never too late to learn or to go in a new direction.

As you will see, the next Alumni event will be on 24 November. Philip Collins, OFT Chairman, will be speaking and there will be an opportunity to network afterwards. I hope to see you there.

This issue of the newsletter has the usual mix of recent OFT news, invites to external and internal events including the upcoming Alumni event. We are not at the moment advertising any vacancies externally, but we have recently been given authority to look outside the Civil Service for some front line posts and it is possible there will be some vacancy adverts in the coming months.

Vivienne Dews
Executive Director - Corporate Services

 

Back to top

Recent news from the OFT

Joint merger guidelines published
These guidelines published by the OFT and CC, are designed to provide greater clarity on the assessment of competitive mergers.

Read press release 97/10

As complaints rise, consumers warned about knowing their rights when buying a used car
Complaints about used car dealers have topped 38 thousand so this campaign has been launched to help the 3.6 million people buying used cars each year.

Read press release 95/10

Online hub to help retailers comply with the Sale of Goods Act (SOGA) goes live
Problems with unsatisfactory goods cost consumers around £2 million a year. The SOGA hub contains a range of materials to educate sales staff about their legal obligations and better understand customer service. 

Read press release 94/10

Aggregates market study launched
Aggregates is a sector with high barriers to entry. The study will look at various factors to determine how they influence competitive conditions and whether the market delivers good value for money to tax payers.

Read press release 93/10

Back to top

Recent events

Seminar on Choice and Competition in Public Service Markets
The OFT hosted a seminar to discuss the effectiveness of market mechanisms and how best to design future regulation of public service markets.

See all materials relating to the seminar

Back to top

Invite to OFT events

• OFT Alumni event
  
  You are invited to the next of our alumni events.
  
  Date: 24 November
  Venue: Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8JX
  
  This early evening event will start with a short talk by the OFT chairman, Philip Collins, on 'Turbulent times, difficult decisions'. Following the talk and discussion, there will be an informal drinks reception, accompanied by a finger buffet.
  If you would like more information, or to attend, please email oftalumninetwork@oft.gsi.gov.uk.
  
  
• Invites from OFT Sport and Leisure
  
  Singles Pool Tournament
  Date: Thursday 14 October 2010
  Venue: external
  
  Smooth Jazz, Wine and Cheese evening
  Date: Thursday 21 October 2010
  Venue: Fleetbank House
  
  Bowling Tournament
  Date: TBC November 2010
  
  Please contact Lisa Thurston (lisa.thurston@oft.gsi.gov.uk) for more information on any of the S&L activities.

OFT S&L is also gearing up for the Christmas activities including the annual carol service, Christmas quiz, and pantomime. Details will follow in the December Newsletter.

Back to top

Editor's notes

Our research shows that alumni do like to find out what their ex-colleagues are up to. If you would like to take part in our 'Where are they now?' feature (which shouldn't take more than five minutes), please email oftalumninetwork@oft.gsi.gov.uk.

Back to: Alumni Network