Public Sector Relocation

Testimonials and Case Studies

Criminal Cases Review Commission

The Criminal Cases Review Commission was set up by Parliament as an independent public body in the wake of growing public concern about high-profile miscarriages of justice such as the Birmingham Six. The Commission took over the investigation of such cases from the Home Office on 31 March 1997 with only a couple of dozen staff based at its Alpha Tower Premises in central Birmingham. It now employs more than 100 people, mostly drawn from the region.

In November 2003 Professor Graham Zellick arrived as Chairman after the retirement of the founding Chairman, Sir Frederick Crawford, who had chosen Birmingham for the location of the fledgling body seven years ago. As a wholly independent body, the Commission does not represent the prosecution or defence but must decide if a case should be sent to the appropriate appeal court.

Birmingham as a location has clear advantages. Its physical distance from London reinforces the Commission's perceived independence from Government and the Court of Appeal. It is more cost-efficient than London, a key consideration where public funds are at stake. And crucially it provides a fantastic pool of expertise and the attractive environment needed to ensure that the Commission can recruit the right people in the right jobs.

The range of stakeholders is huge, from applicants, many of whom are in prison, through to the police, judiciary, legal profession, local authorities and campaign groups. The list is almost endless. And the Commission's location in the middle of the country and proximity to transport links is a distinct advantage.

The Commission has extensive investigatory powers and uses powerful IT to support its case review process. This review process informs the decision of whether there is a "real possibility" that the appeal courts, will find a conviction unsafe, or will vary a sentence. In the majority of cases, about 95 per cent, the Commission's investigation concludes that this test has not been met and that the conviction or sentence should stand.

An important part of the Commission's work is enhancing public confidence in the criminal justice system, not just by uncovering suspected miscarriages of justice, but also by informing the development and improvement of the criminal justice system itself.

Gambling Commission

The newly-established independent watchdog for gambling in the UK moved into its new head office in Victoria Square House in June and is home to 220 staff permanently based in Birmingham. Chief executive Jenny Williams is delighted with the building, its location and the welcome she and her team have received.

 “It is hard to argue for a better location that provides such easy transport access,” says Williams. “This is vital to our operational efficiency, with so many of our compliance and enforcement staff, as well as our stakeholders, spread across the country.”

Birmingham scored heavily on the transport issue because it can be reached from almost anywhere in the country in two and a half hours or less. This ease of access is important for Gambling Commission inspectors, who will visit betting shops, casinos and bingo halls all over the UK.

New gambling legislation, which the commission will implement, is due to come into effect in 2007. The commission’s responsibilities will include all commercial gambling activity, except the national lottery and spread-betting.

“The move to Birmingham has been a really exciting time for us,” says Williams. “We have gained a superb high-quality working environment and new IT systems. Another key factor for us as a public sector body will be our lower accommodation costs.”

Efficient communications and competitive rentals were just two elements in a demanding specification that also required a light, airy, single-tier working environment. Victoria Square House proved a clear first choice when measured against all aspects of the selection criteria.

 “I was also very encouraged by the warm welcome we received,” says Williams. “As one of the first public bodies to be set up outside London following the Lyons Review, we are starting to really enjoy the benefits of being in the second city.

“Those who have decided to relocate to Birmingham are impressed with what it has
to offer, with great entertainment, culture and shopping, along with easy access to the
countryside.”

The strength-in-depth of Birmingham’s professional services community added to the city’s appeal. “Birmingham is a major city with a powerful legal and financial sector, as well as a range of specialists, which is important for the type of work the commission handles,” explains Williams.

“We were impressed, too, by the city’s reputation as an exciting place to be, with a forward-looking attitude and can-do approach.”

Williams is full of praise for Locate in Birmingham, commenting: “They were top notch – very supportive in assisting senior staff who were thinking about relocating to Birmingham. We couldn’t have asked for a more helpful partner.”

add to print cart | view print cart