Dame Karen Buck named Play England Chair

Play England has named Dame Karen Buck as its independent Chair. Buck served as MP for Westminster North for 27 years, from 1997 to 2024 and as a councillor at Westminster City Council. Her national roles have included Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport and several shadow ministerial positions. She is widely respected for her legislative work on housing standards, poverty and community rights.

Commenting on her appointment, Dame Karen Buck said: “Play England has a clear strategic direction, stronger governance and growing national influence. The board’s work over many years has created the foundations for a new phase of ambition, including real opportunities to strengthen legislation, planning policy and the systems that shape children’s lives.”