New Independent Public Advocate Aims to Transform Justice for Disaster Victims

Cindy Butts has been appointed as the first Independent Public Advocate (IPA) in the UK, a role created to address the prolonged delays in justice faced by victims of disasters such as the Hillsborough disaster and the Grenfell Tower fire. In her inaugural interview, Butts emphasized the need for immediate truth-seeking following state-related tragedies, stating that the current system forces grieving families to act as investigators and lawyers, which she described as “shameful” and “inhumane.”

The Guardian

The IPA role was established following a report that highlighted significant failings in how bereaved families were treated by authorities after major incidents. Butts aims to ensure that victims are informed of their rights, receive necessary support, and are represented in inquiries and inquests. Her responsibilities include producing independent reports on incidents without needing ministerial approval, a move intended to expedite the process of uncovering the truth.

The Guardian

Cindy Butts brings a wealth of experience in advocacy, having previously served as the police complaints commissioner and chaired the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket. Her background in addressing issues of racial disproportionality and institutional failings informs her approach as IPA. Butts aims to build trust with victims who may be skeptical of state institutions, asserting that her loyalty lies with the victims rather than the institutions.

The Guardian

Butts articulated her commitment to preventing the need for lengthy public inquiries, stating, “We are there in the early hours, weeks, months and years so that we don’t have to get to the stage where we have to have a public inquiry that lasts decades.” She also highlighted the importance of the Hillsborough law, which is progressing through parliament and aims to hold public servants accountable for covering up state-related disasters.

The Guardian

While Butts supports the Hillsborough law, she pointed out significant shortcomings, particularly the absence of victims' families from the legislation itself. She remarked, “It’s truly shameful that we need legislation at all,” indicating that the need for a legal duty of candour reflects deep-rooted issues within the system.

The Guardian

Moving forward, Butts plans to advocate for the full implementation of the Hillsborough law and seeks additional resources for her office to effectively manage large-scale incidents. She aims to expand her remit to include individual deaths in exceptional circumstances, ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are prioritized in the pursuit of justice.

The Guardian

• “It’s shameful and it’s a stain on our society that following major incidents, where there are clearly failures of either the state or its institutions, we are not getting to the truth soon enough,” — Cindy Butts, Independent Public Advocate

The Guardian

• “They’ve not been given space and dignity to grieve because they have to fight for the truth – that’s profoundly wrong and inhumane,” — Cindy Butts, Independent Public Advocate

The Guardian

• “The very fact that this legal duty of candour is required tells us how deep and persistent the problems have been.” — Cindy Butts, Independent Public Advocate

The Guardian