STORY
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has appointed Sir David Holmes as the new Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. He will commence a four-year term starting on 23 June 2025. The panel, established in July 2018, is an independent body that reviews serious child safeguarding incidents—cases where children have died or suffered serious harm due to abuse or neglect. It aims to improve the safeguarding system by identifying national learning from these tragedies.
Sir David brings 19 years of experience in developing and providing high-quality services for children and families. He currently serves as CEO of Family Action, a charity supporting families through various challenges. His previous roles include Deputy Director of Children’s Services in local government, senior civil servant positions in the Department of Health and Department for Education, and practising as a solicitor. This appointment coincides with plans to establish the Child Protection Authority (CPA) in England, which aims to create a clearer and more unified child protection system. Under Sir David’s leadership, the panel will expand its analytical capacity and provide high-quality materials for practitioners. A roadmap for establishing the CPA and a consultation on its development are expected later this year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated:
“Sir David Holmes’ track record in working on the ground with children and families, supporting them through the toughest times, makes him well-placed to help us build a system where background does not determine destiny.”
Sir David Holmes expressed his commitment to the role:
“I am honoured to have been chosen to undertake this role. No child should suffer harm, abuse or neglect, and the panel’s role in working with the whole safeguarding system to review practice, identify learning and encourage and enable improvement is crucial.”
He succeeds Annie Hudson, who served as Chair for five years. Ms Hudson reflected on her tenure:
“I feel immensely privileged to have served as Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel for the past 5 years. The panel has worked hard to ensure that, as a nation and as safeguarding professionals, we learn from tragic incidents where children have died or been seriously harmed because of abuse and neglect.”
The panel’s work will continue to focus on improving learning, professional practice, and outcomes for children across England.