Alumni Network Newsletter: December 2009

Welcome to the second issue of the alumni newsletter

First of all, my thanks to all who attended the alumni network reception on Monday, 23 November. It was good to catch up with so many of you, and I hope that you found the event as enjoyable as I did. I would be grateful to hear your thoughts on the evening, as well as any ideas you have for future events. 

This newsletter covers recent OFT news along with details of forthcoming OFT events. As before, we have talked to a few of you to find out what you have been up to since leaving the OFT. There is also information on current OFT vacancies and several photos from the recent alumni reception.

If there is anything else you would like to see covered in the newsletter, please do not hesitate to let me know by emailing oftalumninetwork@oft.gsi.gov.uk.

I wish you and your families all the best for the Christmas break and the New Year.

John Fingleton

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Recent news from the OFT

OFT disappointed by Supreme Court judgment

The OFT is disappointed by the Supreme Court judgment, which overturns previous High Court and Court of Appeal rulings that unarranged overdraft charging terms can be assessed in full for fairness. It will also be disappointing for many consumers.

Read the full press release.

Reappointment of John Fingleton as OFT Chief Executive

Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan announced the re-appointment of Dr John Fingleton as the Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for a further five years from October 2010.

Read the full press release.

'Your doorstep, your decision' - our latest campaign warns against bogus doorstep traders

Rogue doorstep traders often target older consumers. And so does the OFT's recent doorstep selling campaign.

Read more about our cross-media approach.  

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Recruitment

We are currently recruiting to fill the following posts in the OFT which close on 7 December:

• Assistant Director - Cartels, Grade 6
• Senior Team Leader - Competition Law, Grade 6
• Team Leader - Competition Law, Grade 7
• Statistician, Grade 7

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Alumni reception photos

Below are some photos of the Alumni reception held at Fleetbank house that took place on 23 November.

 

 

 

  John says a few words of welcome  

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Appela and Esther Val

 

 

 

 

 

Antoinette Graves, Simon Perrett and Madeline Graham

 

 

 

 

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Invitations from the OFT

All alumni are cordially invited to the following popular seasonal events run by the OFT's Sport and Leisure Committee.

OFT Carol Service

Wednesday, 9 December in St Bride's Church, Fleet Street at 13:00. Dedicated to the memory of Ray Large, Angela Harvey, Georgina Westcar and Ian Marshall. Collection for Centrepoint, the charity for homeless young people in London. Details from Diana MacDowall - 020 7211 8558.
 
OFT Pantomime

Snow White: 15-18 December in the Bridewell Theatre. 15 and 17 performances at 18:00; matinees on 16 and 18 at 13:00. Tickets on sale from the middle of November from Kate Pitt - 020 7211 8453.

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Where are they now?

We catch up with two OFT alumni and ask them about their careers since leaving the OFT.

Adrian Majundar

Remind us what you did at the OFT and when you left?

When I left the OFT, I was the Deputy Director of Economics. I was involved in quality assurance of economic advice and providing economic input to the development of policy - notably the CA98 guidelines.

What are you up to now?

Now I am a Partner at RBB Economics, working on a wide range of competition cases in Europe.

What do you miss about the OFT?

I value highly my time at the OFT - it was a fantastic learning experience and a place where I made some good friends.

Do you think you will ever come back to the OFT?

I would not rule it out but I would like to spend a few more years in consultancy first.

Marie Clark

Remind us what you did at the OFT and when you left?

I was a G6 in Infrastructure group.

What are you up to now?

I work for the Competition Commission, Economist group.

What do you miss about the OFT?

Friends.

Do you think you will ever come back to the OFT?

Yes, if the right opportunities came up.

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