Preferred candidate for the role of Standing Advocate
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-01)

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice has confirmed that Cindy Butts is the preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Standing Advocate.

The Independent Public Advocate, established by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, will be a new statutory office with a permanent Standing Advocate to support victims of major incidents.

The Standing Advocate will ensure victims of major incidents understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support from the outset. The IPA can also 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 has been selected as the preferred candidate for the role of Standing Advocate following a rigorous recruitment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The role, which is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, is subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee. Pre-appointment scrutiny is an important part of the appointment process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to the appointment process.

Pre-appointment hearings are held in public and allow a Select Committee to take evidence before a candidate is appointed. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.

Cindy Butts biography

Cindy Butts is a highly accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to enhancing access to justice and tackling inequality. She has held senior roles in complex and sensitive organisations within the criminal justice, policing, and government sectors.

Cindy chaired the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), appointed by the ECB, publishing the landmark “Holding up A Mirror to Cricket” report in June 2023.

She has a comprehensive track record of supporting victims and working with vulnerable people, focussing on 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 when they investigated the police response to the Hillsborough disaster. Ms Butts also oversaw the significant transformation of the Metropolitan Police Service in the aftermath of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, an inquiry prompted by the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence and a true turning point for justice and equality for victims of crime.

Currently, she carries out consultancy work in the UK and internationally. Cindy also serves as a Lay Member of the House of Lords Conduct Committee (August 2019-current), where she reviews conduct rules and adjudicates appeals. She is also a Senior Independent Panel Member for public appointment assessment panels in various government departments (April 2004 - Current), providing independent oversight on Non-Executive Director recruitment.