In this new post Young will help the governors in their role as trustees of the public interest through an enhanced public accountability programme for the Governors; oversight of the governors' complaints handling; and support for the Broadcasting Councils and the English National Forum.

Young will be rejoining the BBC after five years as research director of Which? (formerly known as the Consumers' Association), well known for its consumer campaigning and publications. Before joining Which?, Penny worked at the BBC for ten years, first in audience research and then in the corporate centre, working on performance review and projects focused on improving services for under-served audiences.