MUMBAI: Dame Pauline Neville-Jones who has served as the BBC's International Governor since January 1998, has decided to stand down from the Board of Governors a year early.

She was instrumental in the further development of BBC, World and BBC World Service.

The aim is to enable her successor to be appointed in advance of the final phase of Charter renewal decisions later next year. .

Jones added, "As the BBC approaches the final phase of decisions about its future, it will be important for those involved to be established in post and ready to take responsibility for implementation of the outcome.

"I believe that the BBC would be better served to have a new International Governor in place well in advance of December 2005 to provide continuity throughout the final phase of the Charter renewal process."

"I am sorry to be leaving the BBC. I have enjoyed a fascinating seven years at the Corporation and am particularly proud to have played a small part in the development of the BBC's Global News services, BBC World Service and BBC World. .

"The BBC's television, radio and online services remain an important part of British culture and the fact the BBC continues to thrive amongst audiences at home and abroad is testament to a professional and dedicated management team who are committed to providing a quality public service."