25.07.18
Independent HS2 construction commissioner announced
Sir Mark Worthington has been appointed as the new HS2 construction commissioner.
Sir Mark will investigate any complaints and unresolved disputes from those affected by the new high-speed service and provide independent advice on making a complaint.
As Baroness Thatcher’s former private secretary from 1992 to 2013, Sir Mark will manage relations with communities and develop and maintain relationships across industry and community groups, local authorities, HS2 Ltd, and other contractors.
Worthington will ensure that people affected by HS2 know who the construction commissioner is and what they do, and mediate unresolved disputes between HS2 and individuals or bodies including claims under the small claims scheme.
The new commissioner will also monitor complaints and provide reports marking trends and provide advice on how to reduce the instance of complaints where possible.
Awarded an OBE in 2005 and knighted in 2014, Sir Mark has more than 20 years of experience working with government — including as Baroness Thatcher’s private secretary from 1992 to 2013 and director of her private office — and has served as the director of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation.
The construction commissioner is the latest addition to the HS2 team: last week former AECOM infrastructure boss Richard Robinson became chief executive of civil infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.
Sir Mark said: “As we deliver HS2, the new high speed railway our country needs for growth, regeneration and better journeys, it is vital that we do so with respect and fairness to those impacted by construction.
“I’m looking forward to taking up this post and working hard to ensure residents and businesses along the route know they can seek fair and independent resolution of complaints if necessary.”
Sir Mark will take up the role in due course.
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