Julian Bird, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre and Theatrical Management association, has been appointed as chair of Drama UK – the body responsible for championing and improving drama training across the country.

Drama UK was formed in 2012 following the merger of the Conference of Drama Schools and the National Council for Drama Training. The announcement comes as it launches the first stage of its new website at www.dramauk.co.uk

Ian Kellgren, chief executive of Drama UK, said: “We are really pleased to launch the first stage of our new website which we aim to develop and grow over the coming months so that it becomes a valuable resource for anyone looking to study drama in the UK – whether they are 3 or 93.”