In conversation with HHJ Chris Simmonds and HHJ Gaynor Lloyd

During this conversation, we’ll be talking to HHJ Chris Simmonds, Designated Family Judge for Dorset, and HHJ Gaynor Lloyd, Designated Family Judge for North Wales, about the private law Pathfinder pilots being implemented in family courts in their areas.

These pilots, funded by MOJ and designed in consultation with a wide range of family justice experts, are intended to trial an investigative and problem-solving approach to private law proceedings, with a particular focus on improving court responses to domestic abuse and enhancing the voice of the child within proceedings. Since March 2022, family courts in Bournemouth and Weymouth in Dorset, and Caernarfon, Mold, Prestatyn and Wrexham in North Wales, have been piloting this new approach.

The changes in this new model include more in-depth initial information being gathered by Cafcass and Cafcass Cymru, and this includes speaking to children before the first hearing in most cases. There is also a focus on better integration of agencies beyond the courts, such as those specialising in domestic abuse or mediation, to give the best response to families.

Join us as we talk to HHJ Chris Simmonds and HHJ Gaynor Lloyd about the elements of the pilot that are proving most effective from their perspectives; the challenges and issues that have emerged and how they have been addressed; and the opportunities for further development and innovation.