October 2024 – December 2025
Objectives of the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove
The Victims’ Commissioner has four key strategic objectives for her term:
Supporting victims in coping and recovering (A)
Work with criminal justice agencies to ensure victims are supported in coping and recovering from the impact of crime and are empowered to play a full part in the criminal justice system, including Crown and Magistrates Courts, Coroners inquests, Parole Board hearings, Mental Health Review Tribunals and ASB Case Reviews. This includes being able to access victim services tailored to their needs and being treated with respect and decency.
Monitoring and enhancing compliance (B)
Monitor and report on criminal justice agencies’ compliance with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime and the Witness Charter; identify areas that are deficient and make recommendations for change based on evidence of best practice; and improve public awareness of entitlements.
Act as the voice of victims (C)
Ensure the interests of victims and witnesses are fully considered at all stages in any proposals for development and/or change to the criminal justice system.
Amplify the victim’s voice. (D)
Through regular contact with victims and practitioners of victims’ services, articulate a view of the criminal justice system from the perspective of victims lived experiences; contribute to, review and challenge decisions taken by policy makers and those responsible for developing practice.
Promoting best practice and excellence (E)
Through gaining first-hand knowledge and understanding of victims’ services, identify and actively promote examples of good practice and excellence.