The Standing Advocate, Cindy Butts, is responsible for leading the office of the Independent Public Advocate and for providing support to victims of major incidents which are declared as such by the Secretary of State for Justice.
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.