The Mayor of London has appointed Andrea Simon as the next independent London Victims’ Commissioner, with the role due to begin in March 2026. She succeeds Claire Waxman, who has left City Hall to take up the post of National Victims’ Commissioner
Sadiq Khan has announced that Andrea Simon will become London’s next independent Victims’ Commissioner, taking up the post on 2 March 2026. The appointment follows the departure of Claire Waxman OBE, who served in the role since its creation in 2017 and has now moved on to become the National Victims’ Commissioner. City Hall said the appointment was intended to build on work already undertaken to strengthen victims’ rights and improve how the criminal justice system responds to those affected by crime across the capital.
Andrea Simon joins the role after five years as director of End Violence Against Women (EVAW), a national coalition of more than 160 women’s support organisations, expert researchers and survivors focused on ending violence against women and girls in all its forms. During her time leading EVAW, she worked with member organisations to press for changes in law and policy aimed at improving outcomes for victims, while also promoting a stronger emphasis on prevention and addressing inequalities in how victims experience the justice system.
Among the most recent legislative changes linked to EVAW’s campaigning was a successful effort to lobby the Government to reform court practices in rape trials. These changes restricted the use of victims’ counselling records and their previous experiences of rape or sexual violence as evidence against them in court, a move intended to make the trial process fairer for complainants. City Hall said this work demonstrated Simon’s focus on both practical reform and wider systemic change.
Alongside her national profile, Simon has been closely involved in policing and victim support structures in London. She is a founding member of the Mayor’s London Policing Board, established in 2023 to support the Mayor in overseeing the Metropolitan Police and holding the Commissioner to account across key policing areas, including the support provided to victims of crime. She also serves as co-chair of the London Violence Against Women and Girls Board, which brings together partner organisations to co-ordinate efforts aimed at improving safety for women and girls across the city.
Simon has also contributed to national reviews and inquiries. She was a member of the independent panel advising on the Government’s 2024 Sentencing Review and sat on the reference group for the Angiolini Inquiry, which was set up following the murder of Sarah Everard. Over the past two decades, she has worked with Members of Parliament and campaigned on issues including the safety of women, the prevention of child trafficking and modern slavery.
The role of London’s Victims’ Commissioner was created by the Mayor in 2017 to act as an independent advocate for victims of crime and to ensure that the justice system focuses on delivering consistent and effective support. City Hall says the position has played a significant part in shaping legislation and practice. Under Claire Waxman’s tenure, changes were made to the Domestic Abuse Bill, the Policing Bill and the Victims and Prisoners Bill, alongside reforms to the Victims’ Code in 2021. Her work also contributed to the creation of Operation Soteria, which has since been adopted nationally to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape.
As Victims’ Commissioner, Simon will be responsible for amplifying the voices of victims across London and promoting their interests throughout the criminal justice system. The role involves ensuring that victims’ perspectives are reflected in the work of police, prosecutors and other agencies, as well as lobbying for improvements in law, policy and practice where gaps are identified.
Announcing the appointment, the Mayor said: “I am delighted to announce Andrea Simon will be London’s new independent Victims’ Commissioner. Andrea brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the role and she will stand up for survivors of crime across the capital, making sure their voices are heard and that their needs are at the heart of the work of the Met and the wider criminal justice system. Since creating the post of London’s Victims’ Commissioner in 2017, we have made important steps towards ensuring we have a justice system that works for all. I know that Andrea is committed to being a strong voice for victims of crime and will work tirelessly to help reform the criminal justice system so that it supports victims every step of the way, as we continue building a fairer, safer London for everyone.”
Responding to her appointment, Simon said: “It’s a privilege to be taking up the role of Victims’ Commissioner for London. I’ve worked to improve responses to victims of some of the most life changing crimes over the past decade, firstly victims of child trafficking and exploitation, and then for victims of violence against women and girls. It is critical that all victims receive the responses they are entitled to when they report crime, but this is too often not the case particularly for those from more marginalised communities. I remain committed to working to tackling structural barriers to accessing justice, and ensuring all victims have their rights respected and upheld.”
