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Criminal Cases Review Commission Chief Executive Resigns

Published:

The Chief Executive of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), Karen Kneller, has resigned.

Ms Kneller became Chief Executive in 2013, having joined as Director of Casework in 2005.

Dame Vera Baird was appointed Chair of the CCRC last month and has been tasked by the Lord Chancellor with carrying out a review of the organisation, which is underway.

Dame Vera said: “The CCRC has a vital role to play in the criminal justice system, but confidence in the organisation has been badly damaged. Confidence in our work must be restored.

“I thank Karen for her work at the CCRC over many years.”

Amanda Pearce, CCRC Casework Operations Director, has been appointed interim Chief Executive.

Notes to Editors

  1. No further comment will be provided on this. No interview bids are being accepted.
  2. The CCRC is an independent body set up under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995. It is responsible for independently reviewing suspected and alleged miscarriages of criminal justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is based in Birmingham and is funded by the Ministry of Justice.    
  3. There are currently ten Commissioners who bring to the CCRC considerable experience from a wide variety of backgrounds. Commissioners are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister in accordance with the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. 
  4. The CCRC usually receives around 1,500 applications for reviews (convictions and/or sentences) each year. Since starting work in 1997, the CCRC has referred around 3% of applications to the appeal courts. 
  5. The CCRC considers whether, as a result of new evidence or argument, there is a real possibility that the conviction would not be upheld were a reference to be made. New evidence or argument is argument or evidence which has not been raised during the trial or on appeal.  Applicants should usually have appealed first. A case can be referred in the absence of new evidence or argument or an earlier appeal only if there are “exceptional circumstances”.       
  6. More details about the role and work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission can be found at www.ccrc.gov.uk.