New members appointed to Civil Justice Council

The newly appointed members include Andrew Brookes, Naomi Creutzfeldt, Frances Harrison, Owain James, Jane Portas, Tim Sawyer, and Nigel Teasdale, each with unique backgrounds in law, academia, consumer affairs, and financial services. 

Andrew Brookes, a solicitor specialising in housing law, has over 30 years of experience across courts and tribunals and previously served as a Deputy District Judge. Naomi Creutzfeldt is a Professor of Law and Society at the University of Kent, focusing on civil justice systems and alternative dispute resolution. Frances Harrison brings a wealth of knowledge in consumer affairs and has served in various advisory roles, including as Head of Policy and Research at the National Consumer Council.

Owain James is a barrister at Civitas Chambers in Cardiff, sitting as a Deputy District Judge and practising bilingually in Welsh and English. Jane Portas OBE, a chartered accountant and former partner at KPMG and PwC, has significant experience in insurance regulation and financial services. Tim Sawyer has held senior executive positions in banking and financial services, including Chief Executive of the Bank of Maldives, while Nigel Teasdale is the Global Commercial Director for Insurance at DWF and has extensive experience in civil justice reform discussions.

The Civil Justice Council is an advisory body established under the Civil Procedure Act 1997, tasked with reviewing the civil justice system and advising the judiciary, government, and rule-makers on crucial issues regarding reform, accessibility, fairness, and efficiency. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and adhere to the Governance Code on Public Appointments