Recent announcements highlight key appointments and extensions in public service roles. Rohan Sivanandan's tenure as a member of the Board of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has been extended. Additionally, Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, has been appointed as His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire.

Rohan Sivanandan's Cafcass Board Extension

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State have officially approved the extension of Rohan Sivanandan’s tenure on the Cafcass Board. This extension spans from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Cafcass is a statutory body responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings. Appointments to the Cafcass Board are made by the Secretary of State for Justice, regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and adhere to the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Sivanandan brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to his involvement in the education sector, he worked as an economist and senior executive in the private sector. He has served in numerous board, non-executive, and trustee positions. His current roles include: Non-Executive Director for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he chairs the Workforce and Education Committee; Lay Member of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, advising the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care; Independent Member of the Greater London Authority on Mayoral appointments; Investigation Panel Member for the Nursing and Midwifery Council; and Panel Chair of NHS Mental Health Act hearings. Sivanandan has declared no political affiliations.

Professor Elizabeth Barnes Appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire

The King has appointed Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, as His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire. She will succeed Sir Ian Dudson, KCVO, CBE, upon his retirement on July 15, 2025.

Professor Barnes, aged 64, previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University for six years. During her tenure, she oversaw significant improvements in the university's learning and teaching standards and championed social mobility. A native of Staffordshire, she is a Trustee of the Peter Coates Foundation, which focuses on regenerating Stoke-on-Trent, and of the Aspire Trust, which provides social housing across Staffordshire. Her prior experience includes teaching in Stoke-on-Trent, co-chairing the Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area, serving as a Director of the Donna Louise Trust (providing end-of-life care), and serving on the board of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Stoke-on-Trent Children’s Services Improvement Board. Professor Barnes resides in Abbots Bromley with her husband, Chris.