Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, has today (9 September 2026) announced the appointment of 2 new non-executive board members to the Department for Transport (DfT) board – Sir Charles Randell CBE as Lead Non-Executive Board Member, and Harjit Sandhu as Non-Executive Board Member and Group Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC) Chair.
Non-executive board members are senior figures from outside government who provide independent advice, support and constructive challenge to ministers and senior officials, helping to strengthen the governance and performance of government departments.
Sir Charles Randell CBE has been appointed as Lead Non-Executive Board Member for a 3-year term commencing in October 2026. His appointment followed a fair and open competition conducted in accordance with the governance code on public appointments, published by the Cabinet Office.
Harjit Sandhu has been appointed as Non-Executive Board Member and Group Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee Chair for a 3-year term which commenced on 1 September 2026. His appointment was made under the provisions of section 7.10 of the governance code on public appointments, which allows ministers to appoint candidates who have previously been assessed as appointable through another public appointments competition.
All public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open process unless an exception permitted by the governance code applies.
Political activity plays no part in the selection process. In accordance with the governance code, any declared political activity is published. Sir Charles Randell CBE and Harjit Sandhu have declared no political activity.