The Independent Public Advocate provides independent support for victims, survivors and bereaved 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
Public Office (Accountability) Bill passes through the House of Commons
On Tuesday 14 July, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, also know as the Hillsborough Bill, was passed unanimously by MPs at its Third Reading in the House of Commons. The IPA, Cindy Butts, attended the reading alongside families.
July 15, 2026
First Annual Report published by the Office of the Independent Public Advocate
The Office of the Independent Public Advocate (IPA) has today published its first Annual Report setting out how the new world-first role was established and brought into operation in its first four months.
June 25, 2026
Independent Public Advocate pays respects at Chinook memorial in Thiepval Barracks
The IPA, Cindy Butts, visited Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn last weekend to stand alongside families at a private commemoration marking 32 years since the Chinook helicopter crash.
June 3, 2026