Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Acknowledged
Chief Executive's performance was insufficiently challenged, requiring significant changes by interim chair.
Conclusion
The released extracts from the panel report on the former Chair made clear that one of her main failings was the absence of any evidence that the Chief Executive’s performance was subject to sufficient challenge. It is likely that the interim chair will have to bring about significant changes to the working practices of the CCRC. These changes are likely to involve undoing practices brought in by the current Chief Executive. (Conclusion, Paragraph 103)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concerns regarding the former Chief Executive's performance and confirms her resignation, stating this offers an opportunity to refresh leadership and restore confidence. It notes that the interim Chair's review will evaluate the senior leadership team for further support or strengthening.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Your report refers to concerns regarding the performance of and evidence given to the Committee by the CCRC’s then Chief Executive, Karen Kneller. The report concluded that it was not tenable for her to continue in her position. Ms Kneller resigned from her role on 2 July 2025. This marks an opportunity for the CCRC to refresh its leadership and for confidence to be restored to the organisation. The Ministry of Justice will, as we do with all our public bodies, work constructively with and provide appropriate support to the interim Chief Executive, and the next permanent Chief Executive when appointed. The Terms of Reference for the interim Chair’s review include: Capability: An evaluation of the senior leadership team should also be conducted to identify areas where further support or strengthening is needed, in order restore public confidence. Furthermore, we agree that the handling of these matters has damaged the reputation of the CCRC in the eyes of the public. One of the reasons the Lord Chancellor referred the previous Chair to the independent panel was that the Chair’s statements about Mr Malkinson’s case and the handling of the Henley report demonstrated a failure to inspire confidence in the role of the CCRC. The panel agreed that these actions amounted to failure to meet the terms of the appointment for the role of Chair. This led to the subsequent resignation of the Chair in January 2025.