Two members appointed to the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointments of Robert Thomas and Rebecca White, for 4 years, commencing 1 October 2023.

The Courts Act 2003 established the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee (CPRC) to make rules governing the practice and procedure of magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division.

The Act requires the CPRC, which is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice, to make rules that are simple and simply expressed, and that help make the criminal justice system accessible, fair and efficient.

Biographies

Robert Thomas is a Trustee of Intermediaries for Justice; a small charity promoting equality of access to justice for vulnerable people. He is also an HMCTS Appointed Intermediary Services Approved Service Provider. Robert’s first career was as a teacher of English, lecturer and senior manager in schools and colleges. He taught across the age and ability range both in this country and overseas. He has not declared any political activity.

Rebecca White is a Research Associate at the University of Bristol; undertaking research to contribute to improved understanding on the scale and nature of state interventions to tackle female genital cutting/mutilation. She is also a Director of Impact at Supporting Justice; a community interest company that specialises in issues affecting victims and witnesses.

She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Bristol; exploring victim participation in the trial proceedings at the International Criminal Court, funded through the Economic and Social Research Council. She has not declared any political activity.

These appointments are not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The recruitment processes complied with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Appointments to the CPRC are made by the Lord Chancellor in consultation with the Lord Chief Justice for England and Wales.