Melanie Dawes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dame Melanie Dawes
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|---|---|
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| Chief Executive of the Office of Communications | |
| Assumed office 12 February 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Boris Johnson Liz Truss Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer |
| Preceded by | Sharon White |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Melanie Henrietta Dawes
9 March 1966 |
| Spouse |
Benedict Brogan
(m. 1992) |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Alma mater | New College, Oxford Birkbeck, University of London |
| Awards | Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (2020) |
Dame Melanie Henrietta Dawes, born on March 9, 1966, is a British economist and a very important leader in the government. She is currently the Chief Executive of Ofcom, which is like a referee for TV, radio, internet, and phone services in the UK. Before this, she held many other big jobs in the government, helping to manage different parts of the country.
Contents
Early Life and School
Melanie Dawes grew up and went to school in England. She attended Malvern Girls' College, which was a private school just for girls in Malvern, Worcestershire. After that, she went to New College, Oxford University, where she earned her first degree. She then continued her studies at Birkbeck College in London, getting a master's degree in economics.
Her Career Journey
Melanie Dawes started working for the British government in 1989. This is called the Civil Service, and it means she worked for the country, not for a political party.
Working with Money and Taxes
She spent 15 years at HM Treasury, which is the government department that manages the country's money. From 2002 to 2006, she was the Europe Director there, dealing with financial matters related to Europe.
After that, from 2006 to 2011, she worked at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This department is in charge of collecting taxes from people and businesses. She was a top director there, focusing on business taxes.
Helping the Government Run
From 2011 to 2015, Melanie Dawes worked in the Cabinet Office. This office helps the Prime Minister and the rest of the government work smoothly. She was a Director General, helping to manage important economic and domestic issues.
Leading a Government Department
In 2015, Melanie Dawes became the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government. A Permanent Secretary is the most senior non-political leader in a government department. They make sure the department runs well, no matter which political party is in charge. She was the first person chosen for this role under a new system where the Prime Minister had the final say in who got the job.
Leading Ofcom
On February 12, 2020, Melanie Dawes was chosen to be the new Chief Executive of Ofcom. Ofcom is the UK's regulator for communications. This means they make sure that TV, radio, internet, and phone services work well and are fair for everyone. She continues to lead Ofcom today.
Other Important Work
Besides her main government jobs, Melanie Dawes has also helped with other important projects. She was the Chair of the Alcohol Recovery Project for a few years. She also served on the Council of Which?, an organization that helps consumers.
She was a champion for gender equality in the Civil Service from 2015 to 2019. After that, she became the overall champion for diversity and inclusion across the entire Civil Service. She also helps the Patchwork Foundation, which encourages young people from different backgrounds to get involved in politics.
Personal Life
Melanie Dawes is married to Benedict Brogan. They got married in 1992 and have one daughter.
Awards and Recognition
Melanie Dawes has received special honors for her hard work and service to the public. In 2013, she was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). Later, in 2020, she was promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (DCB). This means she can use the title "Dame" before her name, which is a very high honor in the UK.
