Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on victimscommissioner.org.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

About us

The Commissioner

Dame Vera Baird

Dame Vera Baird was appointed the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales in June 2019.

I want all victims to be treated with dignity and respect, to be kept informed, and to get quality services to help them cope and recover, wherever they live. I will use my influence and experience to make strong recommendations and help to deliver much-needed, essential reforms. I intend to be a powerful advocate for change.
Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales

Speaking with authority

Dame Vera has spent her working life fighting injustice and is a long-term champion for victims’ rights.

Her first-hand experience of the criminal justice system, first as a criminal barrister, then MP and later government Minister and Solicitor General. Before becoming Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera was the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Northumbria. Her wealth of experience means that she can speak with key partners in a voice that will be heard.

Champion of change

Dame Vera is the former Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (2012-19).

Dame Vera spent much of her working life as a criminal barrister. She was called to the Bar in 1975 and took silk in 2000. She served as Labour MP for Redcar from 2001 to 2010, with a period on the front bench as a government minister from 2006 to 2010.

Dame Vera was appointed Solicitor General in 2007, a position she held until the general election of 2010. As the House of Common’s most senior law officer, Dame Vera was closely involved in criminal justice policy and legislation and played a key role in taking the Equalities Act 2010 through its House of Commons stages.

In recognition of her service to women and equality, Dame Vera was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2017.