Foreword From Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM)
This is my first report as Lead NEBM having taken up the role in September 2025. I would like to thank my predecessor, Monica Burch, for the contributions she made on improving the CPS and supporting and providing constructive challenge of senior leaders over the eight years that she held the NEBM role at the CPS.
This has been a year of transition for the board with a number of further changes. In November 2025, I was delighted to welcome Rachel King and Manny Lewis to the Board. Rachel also chairs the Remuneration Committee and Manny sits on Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC). Rachel brings experience in senior executive roles in a range of sectors. Manny has a wealth of public sector, governance and stakeholder management experience. Both Rachel and Manny have already made excellent contributions to the work of the CPS.
I was also pleased that in October 2025, Dr Subo Shanmuganathan agreed to serve a further term. As the longest serving NEBM she provides an invaluable insight into what has gone on before. I am also grateful for Dr Peter Kane’s continued work as Chair of ARAC.
For many of the NEBMs (including me) this year has been about getting to know and understand the department (including the role of the board in a non-ministerial department). My first impressions have been excellent, and I look forward to working with the NEBMs and the DPP and his senior team in the coming years.
I was pleased to see the launch of the CPS new five-year Strategy “CPS 2030” in October 2025. The Board provided insight and advice on the development on this and I am pleased with the direction it sets for the department. The Board was also engaged in developing the 2026/27 Business Plan, ensuring it built on last year’s improvements to set clear objectives and strengthen accountability.
In 2026/27, the Board will focus on the CPS’s delivery of the priorities in the Business Plan including recruitment and staff well- being. The Board will also focus on the potential impact on the CPS of the possible changes arising from Parts one and two of the Leveson review. Finally, the Board will ensure that there is appropriate challenge, scrutiny and support of the executive to ensure that victims and witnesses remain a priority.
Caroline Corby
Lead Non-Executive Board Member