Former broadcaster Martyn Lewis looks set to become the next chairman of NCVO after the umbrella body’s board of trustees chose him as their “preferred candidate” today.

The board will propose Lewis to NCVO members in June and if no alternative candidate is put forward by members he will be formally appointed in the autumn.

Lewis (pictured) will succeed Sir Graham Melmoth, who is standing down in November after serving the maximum two terms in post.

Lewis worked for more than 30 years at ITN and the BBC, presenting thousands of national and international news stories before he co-founded Teliris, a global communications technology company.

He also has 27 years’ experience in the voluntary sector including trusteeships, chairmanships and other roles for organisations including Help the Hospices, United Response, the Windsor Leadership Trust, and the Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service.

He founded YouthNet, a charity that provides three websites signposting young people to opportunities and help available on topics such as employment and volunteering, sex and relationships, and drink and drugs. More than 500,000 16 to 25-year-olds visit the websites every month and the charity has 64 staff, 200 volunteers and income of £5m.  It is one of the Office of the Third Sector's strategic partners.

Mr Lewis was awarded the CBE in 1997 for services to young people and the hospice movement.

Sir Graham Melmoth said: “The board is particularly impressed with Martyn’s longstanding commitment to – and passion for – the voluntary sector.

“With his excellent leadership skills – honed both through his journalistic and business careers as well as numerous posts within the sector – we feel he is the best person to drive NCVO forward.”

Should NCVO members suggest an alternative candidate, a committee of trustees will consider whether they have the required skills and experience for the job. If they are deemed suitable, an election will be held in October.