Liz Sayce, the Chief Executive of RADAR, the UK's leading pan-disability organisation, has been asked by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan-Smith, to chair a government committee which will "review work programmes designed to support disabled people". She will be paid to do the job.

RADAR staff and committee members have been told this confidential until later this week and there has been little discussion about the invitation. Many within RADAR regard the appointment as important for RADAR's reputation but there is considerable concern that only a few people have been told about the decision let alone allowed to debate it. Although it will clearly boost its reputation within the corridors of power it will mean that RADAR will find it more difficult to represent the needs and expectations of over 11 million disabled people in the UK.

Please send protests to RADAR about this proposed appointment -  radar@radar.org.uk.