Two board members of the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service reappointed

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice has approved the reappointment of Catharine Seddon and Peter Fish, as Board Members of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), for 4 years from 19 April 2026 to 18 April 2030.

Catharine Seddon

Catharine Seddon brings a wealth of experience as Senior Independent Director, ARAC chair and NED on public sector boards in the departments of justice, DCMS and health. A former BBC documentary producer, she is now deputy Chair of the HFEA and sits on the board of HCPC. She also holds a number of judicial appointments, sits on the disciplinary committee of a Royal College, and lectures at the Civil Service College. 

Peter Fish CB

Peter is a solicitor with over 25 years' experience as a Government Lawyer, culminating in his appointment as (interim) Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department (GLD). He began his career as a litigation solicitor in private practice before joining the Government Legal Service in 1994. He has held a number of senior legal roles across government, including as Legal Adviser to the Cabinet Office, Head of the Attorney General's Office and Legal Adviser to the Home Office. Peter was an executive member of GLD's Board from 2014 until leaving the civil service in April 2021. He is currently Chair of the Fitness to Practice Committee of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Both members did not declare any political activity.

Cafcass is the statutory body that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children in Family Court proceedings.

Appointments to the Cafcass Board are made by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.