The Press Complaints Commission is to undergo the first independent review of its own governance structure since its creation 18 years ago.

The review group will examine the operation of the PCC board, sub-committees and secretariat.

It will also look at how transparency in the system can be enhanced, whether the independent systems of accountability – the Charter Commissioner and Charter Compliance Panel – can be improved.

It is the first major initiative launched by new PCC chair Baroness Peta Buscombe since taking over the role in April.

She said: “I have been impressed by many aspects of the PCC’s work since I took over as Chairman – not least, the extent to which it works hard behind the scenes to minimise intrusion and resolve complaints quickly and amicably.

“However, there has not been an independent review of the PCC’s governance since it was created in 1991, and I think it is important periodically to reflect on the way an organisation works to make sure we have taken account of good practice elsewhere and wider public expectations.

“The review group will also want to consider the findings of the select committee on culture, media and sport when it completes its report later this summer on press standards, privacy and libel.”

Vivian Hepworth will step down from the PCC board to chair the review and is due to present her findings next spring. Three further appointments to the review group will be made shortly.

She has been a lay member of the Commission since 2001 and is a former chairman of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Hospital Trust.