Ex-victims’ Commissioner to lead troubled CCRC through review after damning MPs’ report
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has appointed Dame Vera Baird KC as its interim chair, finally ending a six-month leadership vacuum that drew sharp criticism from Parliament and legal observers.
Baird, a former Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales and seasoned barrister, will serve from June 2025 until December 2026, while a search continues for a permanent successor to Helen Pitcher, who stepped down in January amid mounting pressure and controversy.
The appointment follows a damning report from the Commons Justice Committee, titled Leadership of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which accused the organisation of a “remarkable inability to learn from its mistakes” and slammed the prolonged absence of a chair as “untenable”.
The CCRC, which is tasked with investigating potential miscarriages of justice and referring them back to the courts, has struggled to maintain public confidence in recent years—most notably over its handling of high-profile cases such as Andrew Malkinson’s wrongful conviction.
Dame Vera’s appointment comes with a clear mandate. She has been asked to conduct an urgent review into the CCRC’s governance, leadership, internal culture, and effectiveness in investigating miscarriages of justice. The review will also examine whether the body still delivers value for public money.
In a statement, Baird underlined the importance of her new role. “When the justice system makes mistakes, as all human institutions do from time to time, the role of the CCRC is crucial in uncovering them—providing the only lifeline available for the wrongfully convicted,” she said.
“It is vital the public can have confidence in an organisation whose constitutional importance is so central to a fair and just system. I look forward to working alongside the many hardworking and dedicated members of staff to restore that confidence, ensuring recommendations from multiple reviews over the last decade are being effectively implemented, as well as identifying further areas for improvement.”
Embed from Getty ImagesLord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood welcomed Baird’s appointment, emphasising the need for change. “Miscarriages of justice have a devastating and life-long impact. The organisation tasked with uncovering them must earn back the public’s trust in the justice system—vital to our Plan for Change. Dame Vera will bring strong leadership to the CCRC. I want her review to restore its role in uncovering and rectifying historical injustices.”
The Justice Committee’s criticism earlier this year centred on the CCRC’s perceived failure to take responsibility for errors, learn from past reviews, and demonstrate leadership during a period of institutional drift. Baird’s arrival is seen as a necessary corrective measure.
A CCRC spokesperson said the body was “delighted” to have Baird at the helm. “She brings decades of experience in the criminal justice system and a strong commitment to ensuring justice for all. Everyone at the CCRC looks forward to working with her to continue our mission to find, investigate and send potential miscarriages of justice back to the courts.”
With a formidable track record, including her time as Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and her vocal advocacy on victims’ rights, Baird is expected to usher in a new phase of accountability and reform. But the pressure is on—her leadership will be judged not by rhetoric, but by whether the CCRC can regain the trust of those it exists to serve
