Cindy Butts has been appointed as the Standing Advocate for the
IPA. The appointment will commence on 23 September 2025 for 5
years. The appointment follows a Justice Select Committee
pre-appointment scrutiny hearing on 2 September and the
publication of the Committee's report on 3 September.
The Independent Public Advocate (IPA), established by the Victims
and Prisoners Act 2024, is a new statutory office with a
permanent Standing Advocate to support victims of major
incidents.
The Standing Advocate will support victims of major incidents by
signposting them to support services and helping them navigate
the processes that follow a major incident. They will
also amplify their voices and help relay victims' views directly
into the heart of Government. The IPA will also produce
reports in accordance with its underpinning legislation.
The recruitment of the Standing Advocate is regulated by the
Commissioner for Public Appointments and this appointment has
been made in line with the Governance Code on Public
Appointments.
Biography
Cindy Butts has over 20 years' experience dedicated to enhancing
access to justice and tackling inequality. Throughout her career
she has been a strong and visible advocate for victims,
survivors, and marginalised communities, ensuring their voices
are heard and their needs placed at the centre of
decision-making.
She chaired the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket
(ICEC), established by the ECB, publishing the
landmark Holding up a Mirror to Cricket report in June
2023.
Cindy has a proven record of standing up for victims and working
with vulnerable people. She brings decades of experience handling
high-profile and sensitive issues, including extensive crisis
leadership following major incidents. This has included her work
as a Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission
and overseeing the transformation of the Metropolitan Police
Service following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.
Her commitment to fairness and justice continues in her current
roles. She undertakes consultancy work in the UK and
internationally, serves as a Lay Member of the House of Lords
Conduct Committee (since August 2019), reviewing conduct rules
and adjudicating appeals, and acts as a Senior Independent Panel
Member for public appointment assessment panels across
government, providing independent oversight on Non-Executive
Director recruitment.
