On Thursday, March 26, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster, hosted the region’s first-ever Victims’ Summit at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.
The landmark event brought together national policymakers, regional leaders and frontline support services to ensure the rights and welfare of victims remain ‘absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable’.
Chaired by Natalie Queiroz MBE, the region’s Victims’ Advocate, the summit served as a platform to launch the new West Midlands Victims Strategy. This strategy commits to a consistent delivery of victims’ rights, ensuring services are compassionate, empathetic and tailored to individual needs.
The event featured keynote addresses from Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, and Claire Waxman MBE, the National Victims Commissioner. Both highlighted the critical need for regional and national collaboration to strengthen compliance with the Victims Code.
West Midland Victims Strategy 2025-2029
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Our inaugural Victims’ Summit was a powerful opportunity to reinforce a core pledge of my Police and Crime Plan: that the rights and welfare of victims must always be a top priority.
“It was an honour to stand alongside so many dedicated partners as we launched our new Victims Strategy. This is about more than just policy. it is a collective commitment to ensuring that every victim in the West Midlands is heard, supported, and treated with the dignity they are entitled to.”
Natalie Queiroz MBE, West Midlands Victims’ Advocate, added: “Hosting today’s summit has been truly inspiring. To see so many of our victim support service providers, statutory agency and criminal justice partners in one room, all focused on improving the journey for victims, shows the strength of our regional network.
“It was also an honour to have the Victims’ Minister and National Victims Commissioner attend to share their national insight, as well as hear our voice here in the West Midlands. This event has sparked vital conversations that will help us evolve and innovate, ensuring no victim is left behind in the West Midlands.”
The day included a Victim Support Services Showcase, featuring organisations such as RSVP, Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, Roshni, Anawim, Victim Support, Remedi UK, West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network, and CRASAC. A Criminal Justice Panel also brought together representatives from the CPS, HMPPS and West Midlands Police to discuss systemic improvements.
The West Midlands OPCC extends its sincere thanks to all partners and service providers whose attendance and contributions were vital to the success of this inaugural event.
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