Sir David Holmes CBE
Biography
Sir David Holmes CBE was appointed as Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel in June 2025. He is currently Chief Executive of Family Action, a charity which provides support to children and families.
David holds a range of practice, leadership and philanthropic posts, including as:
- a member of the Cross Government Advisory Group on Family Policy and the 10 Year Health Plan Partners Council
- a trustee of the Westminster Foundation
- Outcomes Investment Committee Member at Big Issue Invest
- Vice Patron of Naomi House and Jack’s Place, a hospice group for children and young people
David is a former practising solicitor and has previously worked in senior leadership across several organisations for children and families, including as:
- Deputy Director, Children and Young People’s Service, Haringey Council
- Deputy Director/Head of Adoption and Looked After Children, Department for Education
- Deputy Director/Head of Adoption and Children’s Trusts, Department of Health
- Chief Executive, British Association for Adoption and Fostering
David was made CBE for Services to Children and Families in the New Year Honours 2014 and was knighted for Services to Children and Families in the New Year Honours 2024.
Chair - Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
Responsibilities:
- leading and managing the panel
- ensuring the reviews under their supervision identify any improvements that should be made by safeguarding partners or others to safeguard and promote the welfare of children