Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Acknowledged
Karen Kneller's initial evidence was unpersuasive, requiring unsatisfactory further clarification.
Conclusion
The information provided to us by Chris Webb and Chris Henley KC has raised significant doubts regarding the evidence given by Karen Kneller on 29 April. Subsequently, in response to that information, Karen Kneller has provided some clarifications of her statements. We are not persuaded by these clarifications. It is regrettable that her original answers were not satisfactory and required further clarification. (Conclusion, Paragraph 104)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns about the former Chief Executive's evidence and performance, noting her resignation and the opportunity to refresh leadership. It highlights that the interim Chair's review will evaluate the senior leadership team.
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.