Baroness Jill Pitkeathley has become chairperson of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

She was appointed after lord chancellor Lord Falconer asked the existing chairperson, Angela Killick, and 12 board members to step down last week following a recent critical review (news, page 7, 11 December).

All except Judy Weleminsky have resigned and been replaced by four interim board members. Weleminsky has been suspended, pending further consideration of her position. A new board is to be recruited next year.

Pitkeathley could serve for up to two years. She will remain as chairperson of the New Opportunities Fund until April when it merges with the Community Fund.