Births on February 13

Vera Baird, English lawyer and politician

Dame Vera Baird: A Distinguished Career in British Law and Public Service

Dame Vera Baird (née Thomas), born on 13 February 1950, is a highly distinguished British barrister and public servant renowned for her extensive contributions to law, politics, and the advancement of justice and equality in England and Wales. Her multifaceted career encompasses significant roles as a Member of Parliament, a government minister, a senior Law Officer, a Police and Crime Commissioner, and currently, as the independent Victims' Commissioner.

The Vital Role of Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales

Currently, Dame Vera serves as the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, a pivotal independent advisory position established to champion the rights and interests of victims of crime. In this critical capacity, she acts as an independent voice for victims, advocating for systemic improvements in the support, treatment, and services they receive across the entire criminal justice system. Her mandate involves scrutinizing government policies, reviewing the performance of key agencies such as the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and probation services, and making robust recommendations for tangible enhancements to ensure victims' voices are heard, their needs are met, and they receive effective access to justice and recovery. This role is fundamental in shaping victim-focused policy and practice, from the initial reporting of a crime through to court proceedings and beyond.

A Respected Parliamentarian and Government Legal Officer

Dame Vera's impactful career in national politics began when she was elected as a Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Redcar, serving her constituents diligently from 2001 to 2010. During her time in the House of Commons, she was a committed advocate for her constituency and an active participant in national legislative debates. Her parliamentary contributions led to her appointment as a government minister from 2006 to 2010. Within this period, she held the esteemed legal-governmental position of Solicitor General for England and Wales from 2007 to 2010. As one of the Law Officers of the Crown, the Solicitor General plays a crucial role in providing legal advice to the government, overseeing significant legal operations, and representing the public interest in various legal proceedings, second only to the Attorney General. This senior appointment underscored her profound legal expertise and political standing during the Labour administration of the time.

Driving Local Policing and Accountability as PCC for Northumbria

Following her departure from Parliament, Dame Vera continued her dedicated public service by serving as the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Northumbria Police from November 2012 to June 2019. In this democratically elected role, she was responsible for holding the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police accountable for delivering an effective and efficient police service across the vast North East region, which encompasses major urban centres like Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, and parts of rural Northumberland. Her responsibilities as PCC included setting local policing priorities based on community needs, managing the significant police budget, and fostering strong engagement with the public to ensure police forces genuinely served their local communities. This role was instrumental in enhancing local democratic oversight and responsiveness within policing.

Author, Advocate, and Champion of Women's Rights

Beyond her direct governmental and oversight roles, Dame Vera Baird is also a respected author and a prolific contributor to legal and social discourse. Her insightful books delve into critical and often challenging areas, including works on rape, female murderers, and women's experiences within the court system. These publications are not merely academic; they profoundly reflect her deep understanding, long-standing commitment, and unwavering advocacy for vulnerable individuals and for comprehensive reforms within the justice system, particularly concerning gender equality and the fair treatment of women in legal contexts. Her extensive written work further solidifies her reputation as an expert analyst and a passionate champion of human rights and judicial fairness.

Recognition for Exceptional Service: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

In profound recognition of her sustained and impactful contributions to public life, Dame Vera was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the prestigious 2017 New Year Honours. This distinguished honour, among the highest civilian accolades awarded in the United Kingdom, specifically acknowledged her exceptional services to women and equality. The DBE title formally celebrates her tireless efforts and significant influence in advancing the rights, status, and representation of women across diverse spheres, from shaping legal reforms and political representation to directly enhancing victim support services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dame Vera Baird's Career

What is the role of the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales?

The Victims' Commissioner is an independent advocate for victims of crime in England and Wales. The role involves scrutinizing government and agency performance in supporting victims, making recommendations for improvements, and ensuring victims' voices are heard in policy and practice development across the criminal justice system.

What are the responsibilities of the Solicitor General for England and Wales?

The Solicitor General is one of the Law Officers of the Crown, second to the Attorney General. Key responsibilities include providing legal advice to the government, overseeing the Crown Prosecution Service, and representing the public interest in certain legal cases, ensuring the integrity of the justice system.

What does a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) do?

A PCC is a democratically elected official responsible for overseeing their local police force. They set policing priorities, manage the police budget, hold the Chief Constable to account for performance, and engage with communities to ensure police services meet local needs and maintain public confidence.

Why was Dame Vera Baird awarded a Damehood (DBE)?

Dame Vera Baird was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours specifically for her exceptional services to women and equality. This prestigious honour recognized her lifelong commitment and significant impact in advancing women's rights, particularly within the legal and political spheres.

What types of books has Dame Vera Baird authored?

Dame Vera Baird has authored influential books focusing on critical social and legal issues, including works on rape, female murderers, and women's experiences within the court system. Her publications reflect her deep expertise and advocacy for justice reform and gender equality.