Commenting on his appointment, Professor Silverman said:

"I am excited to be taking up this appointment and look forward to making my own contribution to the vital process of providing good scientific advice to government. Because of the Royal Statistical Society's crucial role as an independent voice in the official and public arena, it would be inappropriately confusing for me to serve as President at the same time, and so I have decided to stand down from the Presidency. I am, of course, looking forward to continuing to serve the Society as a Council Member and Past-President."

Speaking for the Society, vice-president and honorary secretary, Dr Andy Garrett, said:

"The Royal Statistical Society is delighted for Bernard on his appointment. It is a recognition of his immense knowledge and expertise in the field of statistics. We are also delighted that this means a leading statistician will be able to ensure that statistics is at the core of scientific opinion for this major government department, together with an important and broader role at the highest level of scientific advice within the network led by Chief Scientific Adviser to Government, Professor John Beddington.

"Bernard's appointment is, of course, tinged with sadness in that he will be standing down as Society president. Bernard had just started his term as president and we were looking forward to an exciting two years under his leadership, with his enthusiasm for our whole range of activities and involvement."