Will Cindy Butts being named preferred candidate for Independent Public Advocate lead to a new era for victims of major incidents?

The Government has announced Cindy Butts as its preferred candidate for the newly established role of Independent Public Advocate (IPA), marking a significant step forward in the approach to supporting victims of major incidents. 

This appointment, introduced under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, is expected to transform the Government’s response to major disasters. It's designed to ensure that those affected by large-scale tragedies receive the vital emotional and practical support they need, from the get-go, ensuring their voices are heard above all else.

A role born from tragedy

The creation of the IPA role is a direct response to the systemic failings exposed by past disasters such as the Hillsborough tragedy, the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing. 

In each of these cases, victims and bereaved families often found themselves navigating complex legal and bureaucratic systems in the pursuit of justice, without adequate support.

The IPA is intended to change that. Its aim is to serve as a dedicated, independent figure to champion the rights and needs of victims from the earliest stages following a major incident. 

The role is not one of legal representation, but rather a form of structured, high-level advocacy that ensures victims are heard, informed, and supported throughout the aftermath of a disaster.

Responsibilities and powers of the IPA

The IPA will be appointed for a five-year term and will operate independently of government departments, providing impartial support and guidance to victims. Their core responsibilities include:

• Supporting Victims: Ensuring that victims and bereaved families understand their rights and can access practical support from the outset, including financial, physical and mental health services.
• Facilitating communication: Acting as a crucial link between victims, public bodies and the Government, helping to address concerns and facilitate better communication during the aftermath of a disaster.
• Advising government: Recommending the type of review or inquiry that should follow a major incident, ensuring that victims’ perspectives are central to these decisions.
• Navigating complex processes: Assisting victims in understanding and engaging with investigations, such as statutory inquires under the Inquiries Act 2005 or inquests under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
• Reporting and accountability: Producing independent reports on major incidents, even without a direct request from the Lord Chancellor, to highlight lessons learned and make recommendations to public authorities.

The IPA will also work alongside additional specialist advocates appointed for specific incidents, ensuring that the scale and complexity of each case are met with appropriate resources and expertise. This is confirmed to include community leaders, who hold the confidence of victims.

Why Cindy Butts?

Cindy Butts brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her career in public service is said to have been marked by a commitment to justice, fairness, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. 

She has previously served as a commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission, where she was involved in the investigation into the police response to the Hillsborough disaster. She also played a key role in the transformation of the Metropolitan Police Service following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.

Her background is thought to demonstrate a deep understanding of institutional reform and a proven ability to navigate high-profile, sensitive issues with integrity and compassion. These qualities are essential for a role that demands both independence and empathy.

A new chapter for victims’ rights

The appointment of an Independent Public Advocate is hoped to be a landmark moment in the UK’s justice system. The role is crucial to the administration of justice. It acknowledges the long-standing calls from victims, campaigners, and communities for a more compassionate and responsive approach to major incidents. 

By embedding the IPA within the legal and governmental framework, the Government’s aim is to ensure that victims are no longer left to fight for recognition and justice on their own. 

However, it doesn't solve the key problem facing the bereaved and survivors during investigations, inquest and inquiries - a lack of funding for independent legal representation. 

Reponses to the public consultation suggested that the support should go further to include advice and advocacy by a solicitor and/or barrister who is able to act in the best interested of their client and who is fully bound by the regulatory framework – a recommendation not adopted by the Government.

Despite this, this role is hoped to bring about a cultural shift in how public institutions respond to tragedy placing victims at the heart of the process, rather than on the periphery. It offers a structured mechanism for accountability, transparency, and healing, and signals a commitment to learning from the past to better protect and support those affected in the future.

Conclusion

As the IPA role moves toward formal confirmation following a pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee, there's cautious optimism that this initiative will deliver meaningful change. 

For victims and their families, it represents not just a new advocate, but a long-overdue promise that their voices will be heard—and that their suffering will not be ignored.

The public is 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.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting victims of major disasters at public inquiries and other hearings at our dedicated protecting your rights section.