Baroness Barran has been unveiled as the successor to Mims Davies

The founder of a domestic abuse charity has been appointed as Minister for Civil Society.

Baroness Barran has taken up the role with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport after former minister Mims Davies moved to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Barran’s new role covers civil society, youth and social action, the government's inclusive economy unit, loneliness and other business in the Lords.

Barran was made a life peer last year and was awarded an MBE in 2011 for her work addressing domestic violence.

She founded the charity SafeLives, serving for 13 years as chief executive, and was a trustee for Comic Relief until December 2018 and chair of the Henry Smith Charity until November 2018.

“It is an absolute honour to be appointed to this role,” said Barran. “I have been a proud, passionate advocate of civil society for many years and have seen firsthand how the hard work of our charities, volunteers, social enterprises and responsible businesses improve lives up and down the country.

“I am delighted to be able to use my experience to listen, champion and enhance the role of civil society in building stronger communities and a fairer society for everyone.”