- New Commissioner to serve as independent voice for victims and witnesses
- Delivering justice for victims at heart of Government’s Plan for Change
Victims and witnesses’ interests will be represented by Claire Waxman, who has today (Thursday 4 September) been appointed the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.
Ms Waxman has an extensive track record of supporting victims and championing their interests.
In her current role as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner, she chaired the capital’s Victims Board to put survivors’ voices at the centre of the Mayor of London’s Police and Crime Plan, worked with the Metropolitan Police to improve their services for victims and tirelessly campaigned for greater support for everyone affected by stalking.
As Victims’ Commissioner, Ms Waxman will draw upon her experience as an unwavering advocate for victims’ interests to serve as an independent voice for witnesses and survivors of crime.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said
The Victims’ Commissioner is an invaluable role that promotes victims’ interests in the justice system.
Claire’s accomplishments as London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner more than qualify her for this role. I have every faith she will be a dedicated and steadfast voice for victims and witnesses.
Claire Waxman OBE said
It is a true honour to be appointed as the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.
Over the years, I have worked tirelessly to champion the voices of victims, survivors, and bereaved families – ensuring they are heard, better protected and supported, and that their experiences help to shape meaningful change across the justice system.
At this critical time, as we seek to deliver swifter justice and more accessible support, I look forward to continuing my work on a national scale to advocate for all victims and drive forward the much-needed progress that victims deserve.
The role of Victims’ Commissioner is vital to delivering justice for victims as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. The Victims and Courts Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, strengthens the powers of the Victims’ Commissioner. Under new laws, the Commissioner will be able to act in individual cases that raise systemic issues to ensure lessons are learned to benefit all victims and witnesses, including those affected by antisocial behaviour.
Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex-Davies Jones said
I’d like to sincerely thank Baroness Helen Newlove, our departing Victims’ Commissioner, for her service as a staunch advocate for victims. I look forward to working with Claire who I know will bring experience, passion and empathy to this vital role.
Ms Waxman will work independently to promote victims’ and witnesses’ interests, encourage good practice in their treatment and keep the operation of the Victims’ Code under review.
Interim Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove said
I am delighted that Claire Waxman will be my successor as Victims’ Commissioner. Having worked together for years, I know firsthand that her experience as an unwavering voice for victims in London will make her a powerful advocate for change on the national stage.
I am proud of the work we have done to place the experiences of victims at the heart of the justice system, and I am confident Claire will build on this work with her passion and dedication. I wish her all the very best as she begins her term in the new year.
Further information
- The Victims’ Commissioner was appointed through an open and fair process.
- Ms Waxman will assume the role on 1 January, 2026.
