He met with communities and reaffirmed his commitment towards environmental protection and the creation of economic opportunities.

During his visit on 20th February, Ambassador Whittingham hosted meetings with civil society organisations in southern Petén, including the Inter-Sectorial Board of Land and Environment (MITA). Local authorities also participated in discussions about the use of multisector coordination mechanisms to address challenges in the Adjacency Zone and to verify the impact of financial assistance from the British embassy in the territory.

The Ambassador also visited the community of Monte Los Olivos to learn about the projects under implementation. Monte de Los Olivos is one of the 17 priority communities within the Adjacency Zone with projects that benefit more than 1,200 families. Among these initiatives are the diversification of agricultural crops, the establishment of agroforestry systems and the management and commercialisation of xate, among others.

The British Embassy has supported the promotion of integral rural development through projects that focus on health, education and nutrition within these communities. The United Kingdom has encouraged collaboration between the governments of Guatemala-Belize by supporting the operation of a “Technical Roundtable” that addresses the main environmental, social and economic challenges in the territory, with the aim of maintaining that dialogue.

In Guatemala, the United Kingdom works closely with partner organisations such as Asociación Balam, the Coordinator of Peasant Agricultural Associations (COACAP), and the Association for Integral Rural Development of the Adjacency Zone (ADRIZA). The Mayor’s Offices of San Luis, Poptún, Dolores, El Chal, Melchor de Mencos have participated in and supported this process; the Vice Ministry of Agriculture for Petén Affairs, CONAP, INAB, MINECO and other government entities were included in the dialogue.

On 21st February, the Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Adjacency Zone. Then he moved to the community of El Arenal, shared by Melchor de Mencos – in Guatemala – and Benque Viejo – in Belize – to participate in a football match with students from both countries who share the mutual desire to promote peace and prosperity.

Ministers are seeking to appoint a Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The closing date for applications is 20 May 2020.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK. It is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care. The Agency employs more than 1,300 people and has facilities in London, York and South Mimms in Hertfordshire.

Recognised globally as an authority in its field, the agency plays a leading role in protecting and improving public health and supports innovation through scientific research and development.

Role and Responsibilities

As Chair of the MHRA you will be accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and will:

• provide strong leadership, challenge and direction to the organisation, encouraging and enabling the MHRA to be a first-class regulator of medicines and medical devices, building on its international status and leading the Agency through the changes to come now we have left the European Union.

• in partnership with the Executive Team and Board members, ensure that the MHRA drives a major multi-year operational transformation programme, within the agreed financial envelope, delivering significant changes to fundamentally reshape the way the Agency operates, including driving efficiencies throughout the business.

• ensure high standards of governance and effectiveness, encourage and enabling non-executive directors to make a full contribution to the Board’s affairs, making best use of their varied skills and diverse backgrounds, and advising the Department of Health and Social Care on their performance.

• in partnership with the Chief Executive, set the tone for excellent working relationships between the three centres that comprise the MHRA, as well as between the MHRA and key stakeholders. Ensure that policy and operational decisions reflect the needs and views of stakeholders, including patients, the public, NHS and industry to deliver confidence in the work of the Agency during challenging times.

• progress the Agency’s innovation agenda creatively and effectively, seeking new opportunities and delivering on the Agency’s commitments to support the Government’s Strategy for UK Life Sciences.

For more information on this role, including the qualities required, you are invited to read the full appointment details on the Centre for Public Appointments website.