Cafcass welcomes new interim Chief Executive

Cafcass, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, is pleased to announce that from 1st May 2019, Julie Brown takes up the role of Interim Chief Executive while the organisation completes its recruitment of a permanent appointment.

She will be supported in her role by Cafcass’ National Service Director, Christine Banim and its Strategic Director, Teresa Williams.

Julie was most recently Cafcass’ Director of Resources, having joined Cafcass in 2008. She has worked in both Adult and Children’s Social Care for many years and the Probation Service before its national reorganisation. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in the early 1990s, she worked in both practice and industry until 2001, when she switched to, and then stayed, working within the public sector. She will continue to hold the role of Director of Resources alongside that of interim Chief Executive.

Speaking on the appointment, Cafcass Chair Edward Timpson said:

“I am delighted Julie has taken up this interim role, while we complete our plans for appointing a permanent Chief Executive. Julie’s knowledge of the business is phenomenal and we are very fortunate that we can draw on her expertise during this transition period.”

“I know Julie will continue to work with our operational and strategic leads to ensure that Cafcass not only meets the needs of the children and families it supports but will continue to drive improvements. Critically, she will provide continuity and direction at a time when we are finalising our refreshed strategic plan.”

Julie replaces Anthony Douglas CBE, who was Chief Executive at Cafcass for 14 years.