New chairperson of Cafcass appointed

Baroness Jill Pitkeathley has been announced as the new
chairperson of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support
Service.

Pitkeathley, currently chairperson of the New Opportunities Fund
and formerly chief executive of the Carers National Association,
was appointed after the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer told the
existing chairperson Angela Killick and 12 board members to resign
following a recent critical review.

All but one of the 12 – 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resigned and been replaced by four interim board members.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, while Pitkeathley
could serve for up to two years.