CBE Appointed As Interim Chair Of Cafcass

The Secretary of State has announced the appointment of Sally Cheshire CBE as the Interim Chair of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).

Following Edward Timpson’s resignation in December 2019, Sally, who has been a member of Cafcass since May 2018, has been undertaking duties normally managed by the Chair. However, she will now officially take on the role as Interim Chair.

Sally will carry out the position until 30 June 2020 when the role will be filled on a permanent basis.

Sally was appointed Deputy Chair in February last year and is Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK’s regulator of the fertility sector and embryo research.

She has carried out a number of senior leadership roles within the health sector and is currently Chair of Health Education England (North).

Cafcass Chief Executive, Jacky Tiotto said:

“We would like to thank Sally for taking on the responsibility of Interim Chair of the Cafcass Board. Sally has a range and breadth of experience which is already proving invaluable to us. She is deeply interested in our work and with board colleagues is holding us to account so that we continue to improve and sustain an outstanding service to the children and families with whom we work.

“I look forward to working with Sally throughout the interim period and beyond.”

Cafcass is an independent (non-departmental) public body which has a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through family proceedings. It is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.