On the move

The head of policy at the former Disability Rights Commission has been appointed as disability programme director at the new Equality and Human Rights Commission. Neil Crowther will be based in the new commission’s strategy and policy directorate, where he will be responsible for supporting its statutory disability committee. The EHRC took over the work of the DRC on 1 October.

The University of Birmingham has appointed John Tizard as the first director of its new Centre for Public Service Partnerships, a joint venture between the University’s Schools of Public Policy and Business. The centre will provide evidence-based research and advice for governments, the corporate sector, the voluntary sector and academics.

Telford & Wrekin Council has appointed a new corporate director to lead its children and young people portfolio. Julia Almond, currently the deputy corporate director of children and lifelong learning at Staffordshire Council, will take up her post on 2 January.

Bill Payne has been announced as the new chief executive officer of Metropolitan Housing Partnership. Payne will join MHP from Yorkshire Housing Group in February 2008, where he has been CEO since 1999. He takes over from Tony Shoults, who retires next month after 20 years’ service.