Ruth Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB), taking over from HH Deborah Taylor, who served from 2023 to 2026. Ms Evans' three-year term is scheduled to commence on 1 September.
The CLAAB Chair provides independent leadership and strategic direction to the Board, advising the Lord Chancellor on the operation and future development of criminal legal aid schemes. This role involves guiding discussions on market sustainability, data requirements, and the effects of policy changes, as well as overseeing reports and representing the Board externally.
Ms Evans has 40 years of experience advocating for public and consumer interests. Her previous roles include Founding Chair of Stop Scams UK, and chairing bodies such as the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the Bar Standards Board. She has also held non-Executive Director positions at the National Audit Office and the Serious Fraud Office.