The Government has reappointed David Edmonds as chairman of the Legal Services Board (LSB) for a second three-year term.

Edmonds, who was appointed as the first-ever chairman of the LSB (which was then a new body) three years ago, will take on the new term from 1 May until 30 April 2014.

The appointment is made by the Lord Chancellor in consultation with the Lord Chief Justice. Edmonds, the former chairman of NHS Direct, was also previously a managing director of Natwest and a commissioner with the Legal Services Commission.

He will serve a minimum of 70 days a year, with the salary for the role remaining at £63,000.

Commenting on the reappointment, Conservatice justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said: "I am very pleased that David has accepted a further term of appointment as chairman of the LSB. There are vital and exciting challenges ahead for the legal profession and I believe the leadership displayed by David will provide a steady foundation for ensuring the legal profession of England and Wales remains world leading well into the future."

Edmonds said: "Maintaining momentum in the modernisation and reform of both regulation and service delivery is crucial for lawyers and the clients they serve. I look forward to leading the LSB over the next three years as we help to bring about that change."

The LSB is the oversight body for the eight approved regulators of the legal profession: the Law Society, the Bar Council, the Master of the Faculties, the Institute of Legal Executives, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys and the Association of Costs Lawyers.

In total, the legal sector employed around 324,000 individuals in 2010, out of which 116,122 were solicitors and 15,157 were barristers.