In the interests of transparency, the CCRC publishes minutes of our Board meetings, which are generally held every other month.
We also hold a public Board meeting once per year, which is typically held in November. This meeting provides an opportunity for members of the public to gain insight into the important work that the CCRC carries out.
We hope that this page provides you with the information you need to better understand the workings of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and its commitment to ensuring that the best possible reviews of potential miscarriages of justice take place.
Most recent Board minutes – 25 November 2025
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
Monday 25 November 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Dame Vera Baird – (Interim Chair)
Ms Amanda Pearce – (Interim Chief Executive)
Mr Peter Ryan – (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mr Ian Comfort – (Commissioner)
Ms Rachel Ellis – (Commissioner)
Ms Johanna Higgins – (Commissioner)
Mr Rob Ward – (Commissioner)
Mrs Linda Lee – (Commissioner)
Ms Nicola Cockburn – (Commissioner)
Mr David Brown – (Commissioner)
Mr Mark Oldham – (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Paul Napier – Head of Communications and External Affairs – item 6 only
Mr John Curtis – (In-House Counsel) – items 7 and 8 only
Mr Alex Simpson-Vince – (Head of Information Governance) – items 7 and 8 only
1. Apologies and declarations of interest
None.
2. Minutes of Board Meeting: 25 September 2025.
The minutes were accepted.
3. Interim’s Chair’s update
The Chair reported ongoing efforts to improve engagement with the organisation’s interested public Applicants.
A dedicated team from across the organisation is reviewing all correspondence to ensure communications with our applicants and their representatives are clearer, friendlier, and more informative.
During the afternoon sessions at the recent September Staff Event, Case Review staff which included CRMs, GLs and CATS made several suggestions for streamlining processes and improving efficiency. We will pilot a number of these initiatives including a dedicated ‘No Appeal’ team in the near future.
Additionally, we will pilot CRMs making introductory phone calls, to greet the applicant and clarify the CRM’s role, following feedback from recent stakeholder consultations.
All known relevant charities have met with the Interim Chair and each expressed strong interest in forming a new Stakeholder Group with shared responsibility for setting agendas and promoting collaborative engagement.
Recruitment of CRMs continues to be challenging. The recent exercise, found only two appointable candidates, out of the hundreds that had applied. The Interim Chair and the Interim CEO will conduct an analysis of the process to better focus the strategy.
The CEO’s temporary appointment will conclude at the beginning of January. A new interim CEO will be appointed for approximately one year. Expressions of interest will be invited from within the MoJ and its associated ALBs, the submission window closes in December. Applicants are expected to include individuals currently one level below CEO seeking career development and leadership experience. Interviews will take place in December, with a panel which will include the Chair, and Mr Oldham. The Interim CEO will support the interviews as a technical expert. The aim is to have the new interim CEO in post by the time the current Interim CEO’s temporary appointment ends.
An extensive recruitment process was undertaken to appoint Independent Non-Executive Directors. Whilst the process initially attracted significant interest, the candidate pool narrowed over time, and no suitable candidates were identified for the Audit and Risk Committee role. Following Andrew Humphrey’s recommendation, the CCRC will now explore the reserve pool of candidates from other MOJ INED recruitment which is considered the most efficient way to fill the current Audit and Risk Committee vacancy. It was noted that one INED had been successfully appointed from the original process; and has indicated her intention to join.
The Chair is leading a comprehensive review of the CCRC with external expertise across all departments to inform future changes. The HR review by MoJ experts is complete. The Communications review reports have been submitted and discussions scheduled. The review of other corporate and support services, led by the MoJ Deputy Director of Planning and Performance was postponed due to ministerial business and will be rescheduled. The aim is to conclude the review before the HMCPSI begins the casework inspection, so that there is no overlap.
The Interim Chair will review governance and the role of Commissioners. A questionnaire would be prepared and circulated to all Commissioners asking a series of set questions. Commissioners were invited to suggest any additional questions for inclusion.
4. Interim Chief Executive Oral Update
The Interim CEO reported that the HMCPSI lead inspector and a colleague would be on site in early December for induction, including system access and a condensed introduction to the statutory framework, operations and casework, which would include a case walkthrough. The inspection scope would be published on SharePoint and emailed to staff on Monday 3 December, with an abridged version published on the HMCPSI website on Tuesday. HMCPSI will select interviewees, focus group participants and closed cases to review. Initial documents had been provided but more may be requested. The Interim CEO will hold drop-in sessions at next week’s Staff Event Day to address any questions.
5. Actions update
This was noted.
6. Management Information Pack
This was noted.
The Director of Finance and Corporate Services highlighted this year’s spend on Commissioner fees, and the likely impact in 2026/2027 of the six additional Commissioners. If extra funding was not secured, the number of days per Commissioner may need to be capped. There was still uncertainty because the Ministry of Justice settlement for 2026/2027 had not yet been finalised.
Commissioner Lee asked whether the budget for 2025/2026 had been made based on 8 Commissioners working 1 day a week or 11 Commissioners working 1 day per week. The Finance & Corporate Services Director confirmed that it was 11.
7. Casework Report including Forensic Opportunities Programme
Casework performance had improved with fewer long running cases and marginal KPI gains. There had been 22 referrals in the business year, with at least 19 more expected before the end of March 2026. It was expected that we would be close to 900 referrals by the end of the calendar year.
The Forensic Opportunities funding for next year had been confirmed, enabling the CCRC to extend the team’s contracts and provide stability for the ongoing work.
8. Comms update
The Head of Communications and External Affairs reported that media sentiment remained largely positive or neutral, with criticism focused on timeliness in long running cases. Visibility was high around the Lucy Letby case, with some positive coverage including the HMCPSI inspection announcement, the First Capture referral, and the recent awareness event in Birmingham.
9. ICO Next Steps
The Interim Chief Executive reported that the Information Commissioner confirmed at a recent meeting that the Data Protection Act takes precedence over the Criminal Appeal Act requiring the CCRC to consider all material in subject access requests including that obtained under Section 17. Whilst law enforcement exemptions apply, this created practical challenges in reviewing and liaising with owning bodies.
10. FOI and Minutes
The Board received a paper they had requested about the use of ‘Part II’ minutes for sensitive or FOI exempt matters. The Board agreed to review the criteria and process at a future meeting.
11. Cyber Risk
The Director of Finance and Corporate Services introduced a paper on cyber risk, noting its growing significance and the attacks on public bodies such as the Legal Aid Agency, as well as commercial organisations such as JLR and M&S. Current measures in place included Cyber Essentials plus accreditation, annual penetration testing and NCSC Health checks. The Director of Finance and Corporate Services proposed building on these through additional independent validation and assurance. The Board acknowledged the importance of continued focus on this risk.
The Director of Finance & Corporate Services advised the Board that he would provide a more regular update on the progress of this risk which would become a standing Board agenda item.
12. Security Change – Lessons learned
The Director of Finance and Corporate Services presented a paper outlining lessons learned from the February IT changes. During the discussions the Board, and particularly some Commissioners expressed concern at the lack of trust that the staff felt when the previous CEO altered their security settings. It was noted that all significant matters must come to the Board in advance.
13. Research Committee – Terms of Reference
The Board approved the revised Terms of Reference for the Research Committee. Changes include aligning with current practice, expanding Commissioner representation, and introducing an annual reporting requirement to the Board.
14. Any other business
Mr Ward suggested reflecting on the balance of items between Board and Body Corporate meetings. No request for items to be considered by the Body Corporate had been received this time, despite a request from the Interim Chair’s office, so no meeting took place. It was agreed to follow the process of request from the Interim Chair’s office with Commissioners encouraged to submit items.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
17 January 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Mr Andre Katz (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Miss Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Director of Casework Operations)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mr David Brown (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Rob Ward (Non-Executive Director)
Mrs Linda Lee (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Paul Napier (Head of Communications and External Affairs)
Apologies:
Mr Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
1. Welcome
Mr Katz welcomed everyone to the meeting. In line with the Board’s Terms of Reference, following the Chairman’s recent departure Mr Katz would be chairing Board Meetings going forward pending the appointment of an Interim Chair.
2. Discussion
The Board meeting was called to address a number of operational matters, including how best to support SLT during this challenging period. This included the impact on staff, internal/external communications and engagement with Commissioners/ Body Corporate.
3. Update from the Staff Briefing
The CEO updated the Board on the Staff Briefing that took place on 15 January. Following the week’s events there was both considerable disappointment and frustration regarding the nature of the resignation. SLT had tried to provide as much reassurance as possible, particularly around any future review that an Interim Chair may undertake, noting that a review of casework was currently underway, as was a corporate review. The CEO highlighted current business as usual, with the Northern Ireland visit still going ahead next week and a referral having been made today.
The Finance & Corporate Services Director commented that media coverage was causing additional concern and uncertainty for colleagues.
Mr Katz commended the professionalism of the SLT and the wider organisation in its continued focus on casework. He asked whether SLT thought it beneficial for a note to be circulated from the Board and Commissioners, recognising the challenging period the organisation is going through and commending colleagues for all the good work that had been done, whilst also pledging to keep staff updated.
The Head of Communications and External Affairs advised that a note had already been circulated to staff from the Chief Executive on behalf of SLT, the Board and all Commissioners carrying similar messages. It was agreed a further written note was not required.
4. Arrangements for an Interim Chair
The Chief Executive provided an update from David West at the MoJ, regarding the appointment of an interim Chair. That person would need to have a Royal Warrant because as Chair of the CCRC they also needed to be a Commissioner. David West would keep the Chief Executive updated.
5. Media and Communications
The Head of Communications and External Affairs provided an update to the Board, explaining that various scenarios had been identified ahead of this week’s events and plans had been in place for multiple outcomes. He explained that media interest had lessened as the week progressed and explained the strategy going forward. It was agreed that there would be value in documenting and sharing this high-level strategy.
The CEO reflected that it had been the intention of the Head of Communications and External Affairs to spend some time with Commissioners around the Communications Strategy, but recent events had taken over.
Mr Katz suggested that as a way forward, whilst awaiting the arrival of the Interim Chair, the Head of Communications and External Affairs could issue a brief weekly communication update to Commissioners. Agreement was given to this.
6. Operational Gaps to be Filled
Mr Katz enquired whether there were any key gaps in the organisation caused by the absence of a Chair, how they were being plugged and whether there were any governance matters to be considered.
Mr Katz asked the Finance & Corporate Services Director to check whether there was any conflict with him chairing the Board and the Audit Committee. PR to investigate this and report back.
The Chief Executive reported that she would deal with Parliamentary correspondence. In terms of the media, save for the current situation the Chairman didn’t usually comment on issues and so standard processes could continue. There were no big events on the horizon other than the Northern Ireland visit, which was still going ahead. It was noted that the Head of Communications and External Affairs was looking at putting together a Stakeholder Strategy.
Commissioner recruitment was underway and was being supported by Mr Brown. There were about 70 or 80 candidates going through the casework exercise. The campaign for the INED recruitment would need to be commenced, but that could be progressed ahead of any Chair appointment.
It was suggested that the Risk Register would need to be amended given the week’s events, reflecting potential changes to the risk profile. The Finance & Corporate Services Director would lead on that.
7. Commissioners’ questions
Mr Katz thanked Mr Brown for sending through a summary of questions which Commissioners raised in their discussions the previous evening. This would greatly assist in having a structured conversation at the Board/Commissioner meeting which immediately followed.
8. Other business
There being no business the meeting closed.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
Tuesday 28 January 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Miss Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Casework Operations Director)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mr David Brown (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Rob Ward (Non-Executive Director)
Mrs Linda Lee Non-Executive Director)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr Andre Katz (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Wayne Gough (Head of Business Planning & Performance) for item 5
Apologies:
None.
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
Mr Katz chaired the Board meeting and welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes of the previous meeting and matters arising
The minutes of the last Board Meeting held on 26 November 2024 were approved.
3. Chief Executive’s Update
The Management Information Pack was noted. In addition, the CEO updated the Board on the action matrix; the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy had been erroneously labelled the Communications Strategy and that will be corrected.
The CEO reported that the publication of the Law Commission’s consultation paper had been delayed; it had been due in late January.
A new Chair, Kim Johnson MP, has been appointed to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Miscarriages of Justice. An arranged meeting was not able to go ahead and a new date will be agreed in due course. Inside Justice had appointed a new CEO, Dr Sarah Niblock, and a meeting was being arranged as soon as practicable.
The CEO updated the Board on a legal matter.
The Finance and Corporate Services Director was asked to compile an emerging issues log for the incoming interim chair.
The Head of Business Planning and Performance was currently meeting with Commissioners to discuss Commissioner job descriptions, with a view to reporting back to the Body Corporate at its next meeting.
The Casework Operations Director updated the Board on the recent visit to Northern Ireland. In attendance were Commissioner Mrs Johanna Higgins, and Mr John Curtis In-house Counsel. There were meetings with the Lady Chief Justice, the Chief Constable of the PSNI, the Bar, and Law Society.
Mrs Johanna Higgins and Mr John Curtis also gave a presentation to the senior Judiciary of Northern Ireland as well as a presentation at Queens University Belfast where a podcast took place along with interviews with some of the students.
The Board reflected on the recent resignation of the Chairman; it was agreed that the organisation’s primary focus must be on continuing to find, investigate and refer miscarriages of justice whilst implementing the recommendations and learning from the Chris Henley KC review. The executive updated the Board in respect of staff morale and outlined the opportunities for staff to talk and to raise any concerns that they may have.
4. Casework Report
The report was noted and questions invited. The Director of Casework Operations confirmed that the first mandatory DNA training session had been delivered and further sessions from additional speakers had been scheduled.
In respect of performance management within casework, the Casework Operations Director reported that a CRM competency framework had been introduced to support the work that GLs were already doing both formally and informally and that further work would be undertaken in relation to the drafting of Statements of Reasons. The Head of Casework was also using the CRM competency framework to develop a GL competency framework, the management elements of which could be rolled out to other managers within the organisation.
In respect of IT, the CEO asked Commissioners to email the Finance & Corporate Services Director if and when they came across issues to facilitate continuous improvement. It was agreed the Finance & Corporate Services Director would bring a paper to the Board.
The Casework Operations Director assured the Board that the Forensic Opportunities Programme is to be a standing item for the Board.
5. Commissioner Peer Review
The Director of Casework Operations’ paper was noted; it followed on from her September 2024 paper to the Board. She reported that GIAA, as part of their independent internal audit function, recommended that the Commission should ensure they assess the quality of Commissioner decision making by introducing a peer review process. The Director asked the Board to agree to the introduction of peer review, or to a trial of it, so that peer review is firmly in place for the arrival of new Commissioners.
The Board noted the views expressed by Commissioners and the concerns about resourcing. The Director estimated that two days per Commissioner per year was required to adopt the original proposal and that resourcing was not an issue.
There was a discussion of whether to await the arrival of the Interim Chair and it was agreed that the Director of Casework Operations (with the assistance of Commissioner Mr Brown) would introduce a pilot if 2 Commissioners would volunteer to participate. This would be in addition to inviting Commissioners to suggest other approaches, and in addition to Commissioner College which would give a basis to determine how to go forwards.
6. Business Plan
The Board thanked the Head of Performance & Planning for his paper which was very informative and helpful.
7. Any other business
The Finance & Corporate Service Director informed the Board that the MOJ had started a Zero Based Review (ZBR) commission focusing on the 2025/26 budget allocation. Subsequent ZBR phases will focus on RDEL budgets from 2026-27 to 2028-29 and CDEL budgets from 2026-27 to 2029-2030. The ZBR commission was requested by HMT who are seeking savings from all Government departments. The Board would be kept updated.
8. Date of next meeting
Set for 14 April 2025.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
Monday 14 April 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Mr Andre Katz (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Miss Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Casework Operations Director)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mr David Brown (Commissioner)
Mr Rob Ward (Commissioner)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Apologies:
Mrs Linda Lee (Commissioner)
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
Mr Katz welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes of Board Meetings
The minutes of the Board Meetings held on 28 January, and interim meetings
on 7 and 24 March were approved.
3. Oral Update
Mr Katz updated the Board following a recent meeting of the Audit and Risk
Committee Chairs for ALBs.
Mr Katz updated the Board in respect of the Synergy Programme, a joined up
shared service between MoJ/DEFRA/DWP and the Home Office, so that all
departments and eventually all ALBs would have a common shared service.
The Finance & Corporate Services Director confirmed that he had been in
discussions with MoJ over the past few months concerning this. The live date
for existing organisations to join was 2027, however for the CCRC it was likely
to be 2028/2029.
4. Chief Executive update
The CEO updated the Board on the Interim Chair. Discussions with MoJ
confirmed that they had now reached the final stages of the selection process.
The Board remained hopeful that the Interim Chair would arrive in time for the staff event.
The CEO updated the Board on Commissioner recruitment with interviews
expected to take place in late April / early May.
The Board agreed that as Mr Brown, Commissioner had been involved in the
Commissioner recruitment process so far, that he should continue with the
exercise in the absence of an Interim Chair.
The CEO reported that the Justice Select Committee had been reconvened to
29 April. In respect of the Law Commission, Mr Curtis In-House Counsel was working on a draft response. This would be circulated to the Board for consultation.
The CEO reported on the government wide review of ALBs and of the internal
communications to staff.
Following her update at the September board, the CEO reported that there
remained an issue in respect of the ICO; In-House Counsel will attend the
next board meeting and provide an update.
The Management Information Pack was noted. In addition, the CEO took the
Board through the actions update.
The Finance & Corporate Services Director provided a verbal update on the
emerging issues log for the incoming Interim Chair.
5. Casework Report
The casework report was noted. This included an update on performance,
referrals, Post Office cases, work to implement Chris Henley KC’s
recommendations and high-profile cases.
The Casework Operations Director gave an update on the work of the
Forensic Opportunities Programme to date. The Board expressed their
gratitude for the very thorough update and noted all the good work that was
taking place.
6. Business Plan
The Director of Finance & Corporate Services presented the Business Plan to
the Board. At its January meeting the Board discussed potential actions and
agreed to retain flexibility in the plan, in the light of the imminent arrival of an
Interim Chair and work flowing from the Chris Henley report.
The Board discussed the report and comments were invited. The Director of
Finance & Corporate Services would incorporate the changes. The Board
decided to await the arrival of the Interim Chair for views before finalising the
draft.
7. Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Mr Napier introduced the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. The Board
discussed the report and approved it. Mr Napier would make some revisions
as discussed as well as engage with the Body Corporate.
8. Any Other Business
The CEO reported on an issue that had arisen in respect of potential legal
costs regarding the MoJ Panel Process.
Mr Katz reminded the Board that his tenure and that of Mr Spencer would be
coming to an end over the summer. The CEO had been advised that the
campaign should launch after Easter Recess having had all the required
approvals from MoJ.
There being no other business the meeting closed.
9. Date of Next Meeting
Next meeting 22 May 2025 on site at 23 St. Stephenson Street.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
22 May 2025
Meeting held at 5 St Phillips Place
Present:
Mr Andre Katz (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Miss Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Casework Operations Director)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mrs Linda Lee (Commissioner)
Mr David Brown (Commissioner)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr John Curtis (In-House Counsel) – (item 9 only)
Apologies:
Mr Rob Ward (Commissioner)
Mr Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
Mr Katz welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes of Board Meetings
The minutes of the Board Meetings held on 14 April were approved.
3. Oral Update
Mr Katz asked the Chief Executive for an update in respect of the Interim
Chair. The Chief Executive reported that the MOJ had confirmed that the
appointment was imminent. The Chief Executive to keep the Board updated.
4. Chief Executive Update
The CEO reported that in respect of the INED the campaign was likely to be
launched at the beginning of June, ideally with the involvement of the Interim
Chair. In light of delays to the launch outside of CCRC control, consideration
will be given to moving October ARAC meeting to November to ensure
quorate.
Mr Brown updated the Board on Commissioner recruitment. It was hoped that
new Commissioners would be in post by October/November.
The CEO updated the board regarding a litigation matter and the successful
outcome.
The Management Information Pack was noted. In addition, the CEO took the
Board through the actions update.
5. Casework Report
The Casework Report was noted. This included an update on casework
recruitment, referrals, and our response to the Henley recommendations, as
well as high profile cases. The Casework Operations Director gave an update
on the work of the Forensic Opportunities Programme. The Board noted all
the good work that was being undertaken.
6. ARAC Annual Report to the Board
The FCSD gave an update on the Annual Report and Accounts, which
included the ongoing discussions with the Auditors. The FCSD to update the
Board once the discussions had taken place. In respect of the security
changes around the Case Management System, it was agreed that there
needed to be a post implementation and lessons learned review.
7. Strategic Risk Register and Risk Appetite
The Board noted the report.
8. Business Continuity Planning approval
The Board approved the report. The FCSD to make some small
amendments.
9. ICO Update
Mr Curtis gave a brief overview of the ongoing issues concerning a recent
decision by the ICO regarding the interaction between the Criminal Appeal Act
1995 (CAA) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).
It was agreed that the CEO would write directly to the Information
Commissioner expressing concern and to request a meeting. The Board
would be kept updated.
10. There being no other business the meeting closed.
Next meeting: 29 July 2025 via remote video conference.
Minutes of an Interim Meeting of the Board
30 June 2025
Meeting held onsite at the CCRC office
Present:
Dame Vera Baird (Interim Chairman)
Miss Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Casework Operations Director)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mr David Brown (Commissioner)
Mr Rob Ward (Commissioner)
Mr Andre Katz (Independent Non-Executive Director) – via Teams
Mr Wayne Gough (Head of Business Planning and Performance)
Mr Paul Napier – Head of Communication and External Affairs
Apologies:
Mrs Linda Lee (Commissioner)
Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
The Interim Chair welcomed everyone to her first meeting of the Board. The meeting had been called to review, discuss proposed amendments, and agree the Annual Report & Accounts for 2024/2025.
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Annual Report and Accounts 2024/2025
The Head of Business Planning and Performance presented the report to the Board. The Annual Report and Accounts had been considered by the Audit and Risk Committee where a number of changes were suggested and incorporated. The Board were asked to consider the updated draft.
The Board agreed a number of amendments which the Head of Business Planning and Performance would take forward.
The Board noted that regarding the next steps the Head of Business Planning and Performance would make the suggested changes and recirculate the report to the Board for approval. It would then be submitted to the NAO, and the Comptroller and Auditor General for review and sign off.
3. Any other business
None.
As this was Mr Katz’s final meeting, the Chairman and fellow Board members wished to thank Mr Katz for his valued contribution over the last 7.5 years and wished him all the very best for the future.
Date of next meeting
29 July 2025 at 10.30am
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
Monday 29 July 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Dame Vera Baird – (Interim Chair)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Interim Chief Executive)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Mrs Linda Lee (Commissioner)
Mr David Brown (Commissioner)
Mr Rob Ward (Commissioner)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr Martin Spencer (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Apologies:
None.
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes of Board Meetings
The minutes of the Board Meetings held on 22 May, and 30 June were accepted. In respect of 30 June minutes, two small corrections were required. In Section 2 – Annual Report and Accounts this should read 2024/2025 and date of the next meeting this should read 29 July 2025.
3. Interim Chair’s Update
The Chair reported that this was her 8th week in post, during which meetings had taken place with various staff across the organisation which included Commissioners, Senior Management Team, Case Review Managers, Group Leaders and the Casework Administration Team.
Visits were ongoing to various stakeholders which included JENGBA, the Law Commission, and the Centre for Women’s Justice. Future visits include, Appeal, the Cardiff Innocence Project, CALA, Future Justice, Justice UK, and CAGE International an advocacy and campaign organisation based in London.
The Chair had recently met with the Minister Alex Davies-Jones who was taking a keen interest in the review of the organisation. Meetings were currently taking place on a quarterly basis. There were also regular meetings with Andrew Humphrey at the MOJ.
The Chair provided a brief update to the Board on the former Chief Executive’s departure.
The Chair reported that the Casework Operations Director who had been appointed Interim Chief Executive would continue in that role, for the time being and the Chair would appoint someone to collaborate with the Interim Chief Executive, probably a secondment from another ALB, so that there was no concern about the COD’s capacity to focus on casework.
The Chair updated the Board on Commissioner recruitment and confirmed her approval behind the appointable candidates, all of whom had knowledge of the criminal justice system, were, apparently team players.
The Chair updated the Board on the recruitment of 2 Independent Non-Executive Directors. Several hundred applications had been received, 67 shortlisted and now down to interviewees for which the panel members will be the Chair and another Commissioner, two personnel from the MOJ and one independent, in September.
With Martin Spencer leaving the Commission at the end of August, this would reduce the INEDS from three to one. The MOJ had confirmed that it was acceptable for Commissioners to be members of the Audit & Risk Committee for the purpose of enabling the October meeting to go ahead. Mr Oldham would Chair ARAC with Mr Brown and with one other Commissioner joining temporarily. The terms of reference would be temporarily amended for Board approval in September, if necessary.
The Chair reported that she was keen to get a casework audit process underway, in pursuit of her review. Discussions had taken place with some Commissioners, the Interim Chief Executive, the Finance and Corporate Services Director and In-house Counsel about possible models. Having looked at options, she noted that the Law Commission were recommending that HMCPSI, should ultimately have a statutory duty to inspect the CCRC. She was, however, still considering a standalone, ad hoc inspection unit consisting, possibly, of retired criminal justice personnel. Further thought would be given to this, and she was planning to talk to HMCPSI, with a view to advice, without any kind of commitment.
The Chair updated the Board following a review of her first piece of case work, in which, unfortunately, information had been overlooked, by the CRM. The Interim Chief Executive would take this forward with the relevant GL.
Another concern was letter and decision templates which the Chair thought could be more humane and kinder. The Chair intended to form a small internal group to look at the template letters, including the Senior Manager of Applicant Engagement, in order to make them more pleasant to receive whilst delivering the appropriate information. The Senior Quality Assurance Manager would be invited to join from a QA perspective.
The Board noted the number of cases awaiting decision and suggested that Group Leaders should dip sample cases awaiting decision, to try to avoid a situation where further work was only identified when assigned to a Commissioner. It was also reported that some decision pathways were not completed in full. The Interim Chief Executive agreed to follow up on this.
The Board agreed that it was important for Commissioners to provide feedback – both positive and negative, and to raise performance concerns with Group Leaders but this could be done informally.
The Chair raised concerns that in the recent LIBOR case there was no planned press release, and that it was not standard practice to issue a press release for the outcome of a reference. It was agreed that it was important not to appear self-congratulatory, but the factual and legal position could be covered. More generally it was noted that information provided by Comms to the Board was focused on the number of people visiting the website or looking at our twitter feeds, rather than focusing on public communications and trying to measure their effect.
4. Interim Chief Executive Update
The Annual Report and Accounts were laid on 17 July.
The Interim Chief Executive had been in discussion with the MOJ and the CPS in relation to the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (‘the Casey report’) published on 16 June. The government had committed in a response to work to identify and review any cases where victims of child sexual exploitation had been criminalised rather than protected. Initial considerations were around how to identify potential victims.
The Interim Chief Executive had had a meeting with the Registrar of Criminal Appeals towards the end of June. An invitation has been extended for the new Vice President of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, Lord Justice Edis, to visit the Commission. Once a date had been fixed, a programme for the visit would be drawn up.
There was a new Forensic Science Regulator Dr Marc Bailey who was previously at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Contact would be made with him also.
Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent review of the Criminal Courts had been published. Some of the recommendations touched on our work.
There was a letter from the Business and Trade Committee asking about Capture cases and an update had been given.
The MoJ had responded to the Justice Select Committee report and expected their response to be published.
Actions update
This was noted.
5. Management Information Pack
The Casework Report was noted. This included an update on the recommendations in the Henley Report and long running cases.
An update was given on the Forensic Opportunities Programme. A decision was made to quality assess all the Phase 1 cases that had been excluded. Phase 2 was currently underway. Work on the Power-Bi performance reporting was also underway and would provide regular data on progress. GIAA had done an audit on the programme management side and there was a draft report to consider. Another funding bid had been submitted, and confirmation was awaited from the MOJ which would enable contracts to be extended for the existing team. The MOJ were being chased at every opportunity.
Two CRMs had handed in their notice, so another round of CRM recruitment would be launched after the August Bank Holiday. It was hoped to have those posts filled by the end of the year.
6. Emerging Technology Report
The Finance and Corporate Service Director gave an update on the 24/25 project. Seven projects were agreed at the October Programme Board. In respect of the automatic input of handwritten and online application forms onto the CMS, initial developments were now complete, and discussions were taking place with Version 1.
New software was implemented in December 2024 and had worked well to speed up the recruitment process – particularly around the time taken to anonymise applications for sifting.
In order to take advantage of AI developments new software was being introduced which would enable the conversion of all case material into a readable format. The Finance and Corporate Services Director was asked to check that it would not break existing hyperlinks.
In respect of long running cases, the intention was to use technology to streamline the process and support better monitoring of case progress.
7. Board Composition – increasing the number of Commissioners on the Board
The Chair asked for a vote for the addition to the Board of Commissioners Johanna Higgins, Nicola Cockburn, Rachel Ellis and Ian Comfort. The Board gave its agreement and welcomed the new Board members.
8. AOB
The question of Part II Minutes was raised. It was proposed to have a paper for the September Board to consider the issues and to look at our obligations. The Interim Chief Executive would take this forward.
The Chair on behalf of the Board wanted to thank Martin Spencer for his input and contribution over the last seven years which had been invaluable, and to wish him all the very best for the future. He would be greatly missed.
The Chair concluded that the two Commissioners who did not wish to join the Board would be very welcome to observe any Board meetings going forward. In any event copies of the minutes would be circulated.
9. Date of next meeting
25 September 2025
Minutes of a Meeting of the Board
Monday 25 September 2025
Meeting held remotely by video conference
Present:
Dame Vera Baird – (Interim Chair)
Ms Amanda Pearce (Interim Chief Executive)
Mr Peter Ryan (Finance & Corporate Services Director)
Ian Comfort (Commissioner)
Ms Rachel Ellis (Commissioner)
Ms Johanna Higgins (Commissioner)
Mrs Linda Lee (Commissioner)
Mr David Brown (Commissioner)
Mr Mark Oldham (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Apologies:
Mr Rob Ward
Ms Nicola Cockburn
1. Welcome and declarations of interest
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes of Board Meetings
The minutes of the Board Meeting held on 29 July were accepted.
3. Interim Chair’s update
The Chair informed the Board that enquiries were ongoing to appoint a short-term quasi-chief executive to support the Interim Chief Executive, when her temporary term ends on 1.1.26. Although the process had taken longer than initially expected, progress was being made, and efforts continue to identify a suitable candidate.
The Chair informed the Board that six names had been put forward for new Commissioner appointments. She also noted that, unlike her predecessors, she was undertaking some casework duties. This additional involvement effectively increased the number of new Commissioners to seven, as her casework contribution added to overall capacity.
The Chair gave an update on the inspection that is due to take place by the HMCPSI in January. The Chief Inspector and his colleague would be attending the Staff Event Day in early October to provide a presentation to staff and to take any questions. The Chair welcomed any views or advice from the Board.
4. Interim Chief Executive’s update
The Interim Chief Executive informed the Board of a potential application concerning a conviction for computer hacking. Although the application remains speculative at this stage, a comprehensive risk assessment would be undertaken to review the Commission’s current arrangements, and lines of defence, ensuring that appropriate safeguards were in place.
The Interim Chief Executive reported that as part of our ongoing effort to enhance account security, we were implementing an additional verification step for password resets. The initiative followed reporting of a recent attack against a private sector company where cybercriminals successfully requested a password by impersonating a legitimate user. To prevent similar threats, the Commission were taking proactive steps to ensure that identify verification was robust and reliable.
The Interim Chief Executive reported on a recent meeting with the Information Commissioner and his general counsel, concerning the interaction between the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Criminal Appeal Act 1995. A briefing note on the practical implications was being prepared to outline next steps.
Actions update
The Board noted that initial contact had been made with the newly appointed Forensic Science Regulator, indicating potential future collaboration or consultation.
A paper concerning Part II minutes was scheduled to be presented at the November Board meeting for further discussion and review.
Management Information Pack
This was noted.
5. Casework Report
The Interim Chief Executive gave an update on the long running cases where numbers were starting to fall.
There was a discussion regarding the cancellation of three committees because papers were not ready in time. Commissioners expressed frustration over wasted preparation time. CRMs would be reminded that papers must be ready at least two weeks before the scheduled date, and longer where the reading time exceeded two days.
Case Review Manager feedback forms would now include a section on case committees to help monitor and improve accountability.
It was noted that the CCRC had referred 883 cases, and it was likely to pass 900 referrals before the end of the business year.
The Interim Chief Executive gave a brief explanation of the analysis of ‘No Appeal’ cases undertaken by the Business Planning & Performance team. Over the last 5 years the ‘no appeal’ referrals had fallen into a small number of categories such as magistrates court guilty pleas, Post Office cases, and human trafficking. This raised the possibility that ‘no appeal’ cases could be handled in a different way to reduce the amount of resource being expended on the cases that did not fall into any of these categories. This would be a topic of discussion at the staff day on 3 October, and further work was being undertaken to extend the analysis to a total of 10 years.
6. Information on Communications in Management Information Pack (MIP) – Sentiment Tracking
The Board considered a proposal to introduce a complex system of sentiment tracking aimed at better understanding how the CCRC was perceived by its audiences and stakeholders. The Board asked Paul Napier to give a brief oral update, based on his day-to-day assessment of current sentiment, for each board meeting.
7. Board Terms of Reference Report
This was noted.
8. Board Terms of Reference
This was agreed subject to some minor amendments. Mr Gough to make the necessary changes.
9. Updated Terms of Reference – A&R Assurance Committee
It was noted that the recruitment process for Non- Executive Directors (INEDS) had been lengthy, but so far faced challenges in selecting a suitable candidate from the shortlisted pool. Until new INEDS were in place, Mr Oldham would serve as Chair of the Audit & Risk (A&R) Committee, with Mr Brown and Mr Comfort as members. The Terms of Reference would be amended to reflect this interim arrangement.
10. Draft Business plan
The Board approved the Draft Business Plan 2025/2026, subject to minor amendments.
11. DIG Annual Report
This was noted. The Board thanked Mr Gough for his report.
12. Finance Update
Mr Ryan provided an overview of the current financial position. He reported that budgetary conditions remain tight, and the organisation is currently forecasting an overspend of approximately £171k by the end of March.
The MoJ had been informed of the financial pressures, and the need to establish a seventh casework group.
Mr Ryan provided an update on the Job Evaluation and Grading Scheme assessments.
13. Any other business
Commissioner Johanna Higgins raised concerns regarding the oversight of Northern Ireland cases. The Board acknowledged the issue and agreed that the Chair and Interim Chief Executive would follow up directly with Commissioner Higgins to discuss the matter further and ensure appropriate oversight.
Board minutes archive
Our archive of meetings goes back to April 2020, allowing you to review the decisions and discussions made by the Commission since then.