The Secretary of State for Justice has approved the appointments
of Jenny Coles and Natalie Trentham as members of Children and
Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS). Jenny Coles'
appointment will be for 4 years from 1 March 2026 to 28 February
2030. Natalie Trentham's appointment will be for 4 years from 14
May 2026 to 13 May 2030.
CAFCASS is a non-departmental public body, created under the
Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, which safeguards
and promotes the welfare of children involved in family
proceedings in which their welfare is or may be in question.
Appointments to CAFCASS are regulated by the Commissioner for
Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the
Governance Code on Public Appointments.
BiographyJenny Coles
Jenny was appointed to the Child Safeguarding Practice Review
Panel in December 2021. She was reappointed in November 2025 for
a period of 4 years.
Jenny was Director of Children's Services in Hertfordshire County
Council from 2010-2021 when she retired. She was also
President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services
from April 2020 to April 2021.
Natalie Trentham
Since 2006, Natalie has been Director at Laugharne
Management Consultancy. Natalie has a strong background in
strategic partnerships, change management, strategy, local
government and stakeholder management.
Natalie has worked with various organisations including West
Sussex County Council, Ofsted and Hampshire County Council
Children's service department.
