New head of legal service appointed

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All except Judy Weleminsky have resigned and been replaced by four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.