We are currently reviewing our strategy and deciding how to make the best use of our limited funds to improve access to justice.

It has become clear, as we consider a range of options, that some of the routes by which we could seek to achieve our mission would, if implemented, present a risk of a conflict of interest for serving judges on our Board.

As a result, the board have agreed with the Honourable Mrs Justice McGowan and Her Honour Judge Khatun Sapnara that they will step down from the Board. We look forward to the Lady Chief Justice nominating a retired member of the judiciary to join the Board.

Mrs Justice McGowan said ‘I am greatly privileged to have been able to serve on the board and as chair of the Foundation. It is a wonderful organisation doing important and vital work to improve access to justice for many sections of society who would be denied the ability to enforce their legal rights without that work. The achievements of the Foundation are driven by its fantastic staff supported by the board. I have enjoyed working with the team and look forward to continuing to support the Foundation as a Patron.’

Her Honour Judge Khatun Sapnara said ‘It has been a real privilege to have served as a Trustee of the ATJF and to have had the opportunity to support its critically important work.  It has been inspirational to observe the determined commitment of everyone involved at the ATJF, to deliver invaluable support to members of our diverse society and to enable essential and meaningful access to justice. It has been a pleasure to work with such highly skilled and dedicated members of staff and fellow Trustees. I wish the ATJF every success in the future and it will continue to have my unstinting support’.

Andrew Seager, Vice Chair of the Foundation said ‘On behalf of the whole Board and staff team we wanted to publicly thank the work and contribution the Honourable Mrs Justice McGowan and Her Honour Judge Khatun Sapnara have made to the Foundation. We are looking forward to continuing to have their support from outside the trustee body. Throughout the Foundation’s life, it has benefited hugely from the wisdom and insight of a board member appointed by the Lord or Lady Chief Justice.’