The Independent Public Advocate provides independent support for victims and families after a major tragedy.
Support is available to people who have been harmed by a major incident, and to the close friends and family members of those who have died or suffered serious harm.
The IPA can help those affected to:
Find and access the right support services
Understand and participate in processes such as investigations, inquests or inquiries
Raise concerns to directly into government when support needs are not being met
“This role exists because of decades of determined campaigning by families affected by tragedy, including Hillsborough and Grenfell, who refused to accept silence, defensiveness or delay in place of truth. I approach it with humility, and clarity of purpose: to ensure that the burden of seeking truth and justice rests with the system and never on the shoulders of victims and bereaved families. “
Cindy Butts, Independent Public Advocate
Latest news
Grenfell Tower Memorial Bill passes through Parliament
The Bill authorises government funding for a permanent memorial to those who tragically lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire.
April 15, 2026
Independent Public Advocate backs Hicks family’s campaign to correct the legal record
Cindy Butts has expressed her support for Jenni and Trevor Hicks as they seek to correct the official legal record about how their daughters died in the Hillsborough disaster – and for their call to create a clearer route for other families to correct similar injustices.
February 13, 2026
Publication of the Independent Review of the UK Government’s Response to the Death of Harry Dunn
Cindy Butts has welcomed a recommendation from the independent review into the death of Harry Dunn that the Government consider using the IPA in single‑fatality cases where early, independent support is important.
December 11, 2025