Claire Waxman takes office as Victims’ Commissioner
New Victims' Commissioner vows to put victim's voice ‘front and centre' as she warns survivors are 'bearing the brunt' of a justice system under unprecedented pressure.
Claire Waxman OBE has today taken up the post of Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, promising to be an outspoken champion for survivors at a critical time for the justice system.
Claire Waxman, who previously served as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner, succeeds the late Baroness Newlove in the statutory role.
Her term commences as the courts and prison system face unprecedented pressure. On her first day in office, Claire warned that victims are currently “bearing the brunt” of these systemic issues – citing agonising court delays, overwhelmed services, and fragile victim confidence.
Speaking as she commenced her term as Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE said:
“I am truly honoured to take up the post of Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales. This role is not just a professional milestone; it is the culmination of a personal journey that began over twenty years ago with my own experience as a victim of stalking.
“I step into this role at a time when our justice system faces unprecedented challenges. Yet it is victims who bear the brunt of this pressure – from agonising delays for their case to reach court, to a system overwhelmed by demand and under-resourced to meet it. We are going to have to work hard to rebuild victims’ trust and I am worried that the Sentencing Bill risks further undermining victim confidence when it is already at its most fragile.
“I intend to hit the ground running, ensuring the victim’s voice is front and centre so that policy drawn up in Westminster translates into real change on the ground for victims, survivors and their families across England and Wales. I am determined to shape a justice process that provides victims with the fair and effective justice they deserve, and the support they need.”
Claire brings extensive experience to the post, having previously served as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner, a role she held from 2017 until her national appointment. During her time in London, she established the office as a driving force in improving services, ensuring survivors’ voices were heard at every level of the justice system – work which led to her being appointed OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.
As Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, she will act as an independent voice for survivors, scrutinising government policy and criminal justice agencies to ensure the rights of victims and witnesses are upheld. She succeeds Baroness Helen Newlove, who sadly died in November.
Paying tribute to her predecessor, the late Baroness Newlove, Claire Waxman added:
“I owe a great deal of gratitude to the late, great Baroness Helen Newlove. Helen paved the way for victims who wanted a seat at the table and showed us that victims can and should be taken seriously – that our voices matter, and that lived experience has the power to drive change.
“She showed me personally that I could use my voice and be heard, and that it was possible to make a difference. Baroness Newlove leaves behind an incredible legacy, and I will do my very best to make her proud by continuing the work she cared so deeply about.”