NACCC Welcomes Stephen Wildblood KC as New President

NACCC is delighted to announce that Stephen Wildblood KC has accepted our invitation to join us as our new President.

Stephen takes on the role following the sad passing of NACCC’s former President, The Rt Hon Sir James Munby, earlier this year. Sir James was a tireless advocate for children and families, and a steadfast supporter of child contact centres. NACCC remains profoundly grateful for his leadership, wisdom and commitment, and his legacy will continue to be felt across our work and the wider family justice system.

Stephen is a strong advocate for helping families find effective alternatives to the distress and expense of adversarial family litigation wherever possible. He believes family court proceedings should be a last resort, and that separating couples should be supported and encouraged to resolve difficulties in less adversarial ways.

He brings an extraordinary breadth of experience across family law, the family courts and non-court dispute resolution. Called to the Bar at the age of 21, he practised as a specialist family barrister for 27 years, including eight and a half years in silk. He later served as a Recorder, Deputy High Court Judge and Circuit Judge, and was the Designated Family Judge for the Bristol area for ten years before stepping down in November 2023.

Whilst he continues to sit part-time in the Family and High Courts, Stephen also works across all forms of family non-court dispute resolution. Alongside his role as an associate member of 3PB Barristers Chambers, Stephen and consultant clinical psychologist Dr Freda Gardner established Gardner Wildblood LLP, providing psychologically informed family mediation in matters relating to money, children and wider family issues.

Stephen’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and families aligns closely with the values and work of NACCC. Having previously offered guidance and support to NACCC, his appointment reflects our continued commitment to championing child-focused approaches that help families navigate separation safely and positively.

He has also recently been appointed Vice President of the Family Mediators Association, further reflecting his commitment to mediation, early support and child-focused practice.

Sharon Scott, NACCC Chair, said:

On behalf of the trustees of NACCC, I am delighted that Stephen has accepted our invitation to be the new President of NACCC. As a Board, we look forward to working closely with Stephen as we continue to develop the invaluable work of NACCC and our accredited centres.

Elizabeth Coe, NACCC CEO, said:

Following the sad passing of Sir James Munby earlier this year, we have been reflecting carefully on the appointment of NACCC’s next President. Having already benefited from Stephen’s wisdom, insight and practical advice on matters affecting our centres, we have seen first-hand his commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. His deep understanding of family justice, commitment to reducing conflict for families, and his recognition of the vital role accredited child contact centres play for families make him a wonderful fit for NACCC. We are delighted that Stephen has accepted our invitation to become President and we look forward to working with him as we continue to support our accredited centres and champion safe, child-focused family time.

Stephen Wildblood KC, NACCC’s new President said:

I am delighted and extremely grateful to have been offered the role of President at NACCC. I know how essential the work of child contact centres is for many parents, children and relatives experiencing the difficulties that can arise when a family breaks down. Many volunteers devote a huge amount of their time to supporting families through NACCC-accredited services, and I welcome the opportunity to support them. At a time when there is so much pressure on the Family Court system and people’s resources are increasingly challenged, accredited child contact centres can provide a vital way for family relationships to remain intact and for children to maintain meaningful relationships with parents and wider family members.

In addition to his legal work, Stephen is a published author, playwright and member of Fractured Voices Theatre Company, founded by a collective of professionals with deep roots in the Family Law Sector.

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Stephen when he delivers a keynote speech at our AGM and Conference in Birmingham in October 2026. Fractured Voices Theatre Group will also perform Daisy Through the Looking Glass, a powerful and thought-provoking play written by Stephen.

Drawing on true but hidden stories from the Family Court, the production explores the impact of parental conflict, separation and the family justice system on children and parents.

Stephen understands well the profoundly important role accredited child contact centres play when family relationships change and wishes to support the dedicated work of NACCC and the many volunteers who give their time so generously to make that work possible.

NACCC warmly welcomes Stephen to the role and looks forward to working with him to support, promote and further strengthen the vital work of accredited child contact centres across the UK.