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.
