Jill Pitkeathley was raised to the peerage in the first list of the Labour Government in 1997. In the House of Lords she is Deputy Speaker 2002-. and Deputy Chair of Committees 2002-. She sits on two All-Party groups: Vice-chair, Community and Voluntary Sector Group 2005-, Carers Group 2005-.

Her expertise and main political interests are health, social care, voluntary sector and charities. Her professional life has been spent in the public and voluntary sectors where she has built up a formidable reputation as a champion of social rights.

Positions held or holding:

• Chair, Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)
• President, Eurocarers, European Parliament, Brussels 2007.-
• Future Builders Advisory Panel 2005 –
• Interim Chair. General Social Care Council
• Chair, New Opportunities Fund 1998 – 2004
• CEO Carers National Association 1988-98. Vice President 2001-.
• President, Community Council for Berkshire 1998-.
• Adviser to Griffith’s Review of Community Care 1986-88
• National Consumer Council 1983-86
• West Berkshire Health Authority 1970-83