§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what the current status is of the board of CAFCASS; and if he will make a statement; [143110]
(2) When he proposes to publish Sir Clive Booth's report on the operation of the board of CAFCASS; [143111]
(3) what his plans are for the future of CAFCASS; [143112]
(4) what changes have been made to the complaints procedure of CAFCASS since the appointment of the Children's Minister; [143113]
(5) what changes to the operation of CAFCASS have been initiated by the Minister for Children. [143114]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 9 December 2003]: I am pleased to announce that Baroness Pitkeathley OBE has been appointed as Chairman of CAFCASS, with effect from 11 December 2003. In order for her to take the service forward, all but one member of the existing Board have agreed to resign.
The Government are grateful to them for their willingness to stand down and for their commitment and hard work since CAFCASS was launched.
As an interim measure Baroness Pitkeathley will be assisted by a temporary Board comprising:
- Richard Sax
- Baroness Howarth of Breckland OBE
- Professor Jane Tunstill
- Nicholas Stuart CB
We will be placing advertisements shortly for appointment to a new permanent Board.
606WThe Board member who has declined to resign is being asked to accept the suspension of their Board membership, pending further consideration of their position.
There are no plans to publish Sir Clive Booth's report.
CAFCASS will be a key element of the Government's new focus on children's services. The Government Green Paper "Every Child Matters" sets out an exciting new agenda and CAFCASS has an important role in its delivery.
CAFCASS is a national non-departmental public body for England and Wales. As such, responsibility for its day-to-day work rests with its Executive Team and Board. I have, therefore, initiated no changes in its operation, though CAFCASS itself introduced a new complaints procedure with effect from April 2003.