A new Independent Chair has begun overseeing how police handle violence against women and girls in Merseyside, marking a shift toward greater accountability in investigations. Lynn Collins led her first meeting of the Violence Against Women and Girls Scrutiny Panel on 17 May 2026, a move established by Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell to ensure transparency in how reports are processed across the region, including in communities like Bootle.
The panel performs a critical review of case files where Merseyside Police previously decided to take no further action. These reviews specifically examine instances where there was insufficient evidence or where victims chose not to proceed with a case. By assessing whether these decisions were appropriate, the panel aims to identify learning opportunities and improve the overall quality of support for victim-survivors.
Lynn Collins, who serves as the Director of Representation and Organising at the Royal College of Midwives, was selected for the role following an open recruitment process. Her background includes extensive experience in public sector equalities and trade union leadership, having previously served as the Regional Secretary for the Trades Union Congress North West. Her appointment was welcomed by Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, the Head of Centralised Public Protection Unit, who noted that her independent perspective will be essential in strengthening how the police learn from these cases.
The panel is set to meet quarterly to provide ongoing oversight, directly supporting the broader regional strategy to prevent harm and better protect victims. This work follows an intensive period of regional activity, including a summit held on 18 May 2026 where over 80 specialists from health, education, and law enforcement gathered to develop the next phase of the strategy to tackle violence against women and girls.
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