Following a public appointment recruitment exercise, Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Parole Board, with effect from 6 December 2025.
Anne brings decades of judicial experience across the criminal justice system. She served as a Circuit Judge from 2007 to 2017, before becoming a Senior Circuit Judge at the Central Criminal Court from 2017 to 2022. She was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge in 2013, serving in that role until 2022, and also sat as an Additional Judge in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Before her judicial career, Anne was admitted as a solicitor in 1983, later becoming a Recorder from 2000 to 2007. In 2024 she was appointed as a trustee and Board member of the Access to Justice Foundation, nominated by the Lady Chief Justice.
Anne already has experience within the Parole Board, having previously served as an Independent Member from 2003–2007 and then as a Judicial Member from 2010–2019.
Cecilia French, Chief Executive of the Parole Board, said “I am delighted that Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE will be joining the Board as our new Vice Chair. Anne’s distinguished judicial career and deep understanding of parole work, built through years of service within the Board, will be invaluable to us. Her leadership experience and commitment to justice will be a tremendous asset as we continue our work to protect the public and improve the parole system.
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to His Honour Peter Rook KC for his outstanding contribution during his time as Vice Chair. Peter has been an exceptional leader, particularly in driving forward our transparency work and member education and championing improvements that have strengthened confidence in the parole system. We are grateful that he will continue to support the Board, and his dedication will leave a lasting legacy”.
Her Honour Anne Molyneux MBE said “I am honoured to take on the role of Vice Chair. Having served the Parole Board in various capacities over many years, I have seen first-hand the skill, care, and professionalism shown by its members and staff. I look forward to supporting the Board’s vital work and contributing to its continued development in the years ahead.”