Independent Public Advocate candidate selected
Victims of major incidents will be better supported following Cindy Butts’ selection as preferred candidate for the Independent Public Advocate (IPA).
- Cindy Butts named as Government’s preferred candidate for Independent Public Advocate
- Role will ensure victims of major incidents better supported and heard
- Delivering justice for victims vital to Government’s Plan for Change
Ms Butts has a comprehensive track record of supporting victims and working with vulnerable people - specialising in putting their needs first.
Having dedicated her career to public service, Ms Butts brings decades of experience handling high-profile and sensitive issues.
This includes as Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission whilst they investigated the police response to the Hillsborough disaster. Remarkably, she also oversaw the significant transformation of the Metropolitan Police Service in the aftermath of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry – this was prompted by the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence and a true turning point for justice and equality for victims of crime.
In her role as IPA, Ms Butts will ensure victims of major incidents understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support from the get-go.
Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, said:
The Independent Public Advocate will transform our response to major disasters, ensuring victims’ voices are heard above all else.
Cindy’s experience overseeing system reform following some of the most prolific cases of injustice in modern memory more than qualifies her for this role. I have every faith that she will provide victims the support they deserve.
The IPA will also be able to advise the Government on the type of review that should take place following a major incident. This will help relay victims’ views directly into the heart of Government when deciding whether answers need to be sought, lessons need to be learned, and authorities held to account.
Cindy Butts said:
I am deeply honoured to be named the Government’s preferred candidate for the Independent Public Advocate role.
Throughout my career, I have been steadfastly committed to championing fairness and ensuring that the voices of those who have experienced profound loss or injustice are heard, respected, and placed at the heart of our efforts for truth and accountability.
I look forward to working diligently to uphold the vital principles of care and support, ensuring that individuals and families receive the dedicated support and advocacy they deserve during their most challenging times. This role is a profound responsibility, and I am ready to begin the work of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Nabil Choucair, Grenfell Tower Trust, said:
As someone who lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire, I welcome the appointment of the new Independent Public Advocate.
For families like mine, the pain of loss has been compounded by years of being dismissed, ignored, and silenced. We know all too well what it means to have our truths buried and our calls for justice delayed. Cindy’s appointment offers a glimmer of hope—but hope alone is not enough.
We are watching closely to see whether this government will match words with action, and give her the independence, resources, and authority needed to make a real difference. Anything less would be another betrayal.
Yvette Williams MBE, Justice 4 Grenfell Campaign, said:
It is powerful and necessary to see someone with a proven track record and deep commitment to justice taking on this vital role. But this appointment must be more than symbolic.
With Cindy’s experience and integrity, she has the potential to amplify the voices of those who have suffered, hold failing systems to account, and confront institutional indifference head-on.
To achieve this, she must be allowed to act with genuine independence—free from interference or political pressure—so she can earn and retain the trust of victims, survivors, bereaved families, and communities during the most painful moments of their lives.
Further information
- The IPA was established by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024
- The candidate will be appointed for a five-year term.
- The role is subject to pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.
- Alongside the IPA, the Government can appoint additional advocates with relevant experience to each individual incident to support the IPA’s efforts.
- In this role, the IPA will also have the power to produce reports on a major incident for which they have been appointed without a direct request from the Lord Chancellor, providing an independent and invaluable assessment of lessons learned and recommendations to the Government and other public authorities.
- The IPA will support victims throughout the aftermath of the incident, this may include helping victims to navigate the investigations which may follow such as statutory inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005 and inquests under the Coroner Justice Act 2009.
- The IPA will not act as a legal representative to victims.
- The definition of a major incident for the IPA is an event that occurs in England or Wales and is declared in writing by the Secretary of State to have caused the death of or serious harm to a significant number of individuals. This would cover major incidents similar to the Grenfell Tower fire, the Hillsborough disaster, and the Manchester Arena bombing.