Dr Lee Rayfield, the Bishop of Swindon, appointed as a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
12 June 2012
The Right Reverend Dr Lee Rayfield has been appointed as a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. The appointment is from 23 April 2012 for three years.
He has been Bishop of Swindon, in the Diocese of Bristol, since 2005 and a Member of the Society of Ordained Scientists (Holy Order) since 1995.
Chair of the HFEA, Professor Lisa Jardine said:
I am very pleased that Bishop Lee will be joining us as a member of the HFEA. The Authority deals with issues at the cutting edge of reproductive science and ethics. Bishop Lee’s extensive experience of scientific as well as ecclesiastical matters means he is well placed to contribute to this important work.
The HFEA ensures that the provision of fertility treatment, the handling and processing of sperm, eggs and embryos and embryo research conforms to high medical and professional practice. It sets standards for, and issues licences to, fertility clinics and research centres and provides authoritative information for the public and health professionals.
Notes to editors
1. For media enquiries please ring the Department of Health newsdesk on 0207 210 5221.
2. Between 2000 and 2009 Dr Lee Rayfield was a member of the UK Gene Therapy Advisory Committee. Between 2000 and 2005 he was Area Dean of Maidenhead and Windsor in the Diocese of Oxford and between 1997 and 2005 was Priest in Charge (then Vicar) of St Peter’s with St Mark’s, Furze Platt, Maidenhead in the Diocese of Oxford. He has published over 30 scientific papers and articles in peer-reviewed journals and text books, including Nature.
3. This appointment is made in accordance with the code for public appointments, issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Dr Rayfield has declared no political activity.
4. Dr Rayfield holds no other Ministerial public appointments.
5. The role is remunerated at a rate of £7,883 for around 3 days per month.
6. For further information on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority visit the website.
Page last updated: 27 June 2012