Peter Kellner will take up the role at NCVO in November

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the umbrella body for charities and community groups in England and Wales, has selected journalist and political commentator Peter Kellner to be its next chair.

He will succeed Martyn Lewis, who has served as chair of NCVO for the last six years – the maximum time allowed in office.

Kellner's career in journalism includes roles at The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Observer and the BBC.

“I am excited to succeed Sir Martyn and to join Stuart Etherington and his team at this challenging time for the voluntary sector,” he said.

My aim is to support the continuing quest of the sector to be dynamic, innovative and professional

“My aim is to support the continuing quest of the sector to be dynamic, innovative and professional, as well as caring, public-spirited and well-respected – and then to help tell that story persuasively to the outside world.

“In an era when family budgets are tight, and government finances face relentless pressure, that task – and NCVO's role – is more vital than ever.”

The appointment is for a three-year term and is subject to ratification at NCVO’s annual general meeting in November meaning he won’t take up the position until then.

Kellner has also served as chair of the online polling company YouGov from 2001 to 2007 and then served as its president until he stepped down earlier this year.

He was given the chairman of the year award by the Quoted Companies Alliance in 2006 and received a special recognition award from the Political Studies Association in 2011. He chaired the board of the Royal Commonwealth Society from 2009 to 2013.

NCVO president Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “Peter was a stand-out candidate even in a strong field and we are thrilled that he has volunteered for this role.

“His experience in chairing the boards of high-profile organisations combined with his expertise in politics and the media make him ideally positioned to lead NCVO in what is bound to be an uncertain political environment.”