Nerissa Chesterfield served in the role from September 2023 to July 2024
She sought advice over potential issues surrounding the overlaps of work
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By LEWIS BROWNING
Published: 11:52 EST, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 11:52 EST, 10 December 2024
The former director of communications at 10 Downing Street has been appointed as director of corporate communications and affairs at Chelsea.
Nerissa Chesterfield, served the government and Rishi Sunak, according to her LinkedIN profile, as director of communications from September 2023 to July 2024, having previously worked as the deputy and press secretary to the Prime Minister from October 2022 to September 2023.
Now, she has joined Todd Boehly and Co as a member of the off-field staff at Stamford Bridge as the club look to continue pushing forward following their impressive start to the season.
Chesterfield sought advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments under the government's Business Appointments Rules for former Crown Servants, ith analysed the 'risks' involved with her appointment.
A seven-page document was produced detailing the findings and highlights there are 'limited risks' associated with the appointment regarding the director's former role.
Included in her responsibilities at Chelsea, according to the document, are leading on the football club's strategic communications, day to day reactive communications, crisis management and media relations and shaping and delivering Chelsea FC's strategic messaging in close collaboration with the board and owners.
Nerissa Chesterfield has been appointed as director of corporate communications and affairs at Chelsea
Todd Boehly and Co are looking to continue to build their off-field team amid their successful start to the season
Chesterfield served the government, and Rishi Sunak, as director of communications from September 2023 to July 2024
The Committee said they considered the risks associated with the actions and decisions made during Chesterfield's time in office, alongside the information and influence she may offer Chelsea.
It is stated that Chesterfield's previous role had an overlap with her new role due to Chelsea being a significant stakeholder in the UK government. It was, however, adjudged that the risk that the role could reasonably be perceived as a reward for decisions or actions in office is low.
The Committee concluded that 'the company’s operation is not directly related to her responsibilities in office, with sport and media policy regulation sitting with other parts of government.'
It does, however, argue that Chesterfield should not draw on 'any privileged information available to her from her time in Crown service' and that she should not lobby the government on behalf of Chelsea for two years from her appointment.