Written Statement: Appointment of the National Adviser for Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

This year marks ten years since the introduction of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) (2015). This landmark legislation has significantly improved responses to gender-based violence in Wales, and the National Adviser role advising Welsh Ministers has been central to the implementation of this Act. 

I am pleased to announce that after a rigorous recruitment process and pre-appointment scrutiny from the Equality and Social Justice Committee, Johanna Robinson is appointed as the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) National Adviser from 1^st November 2025, under a second term. Ms. Robinson brings invaluable experience and a blend of skills, expertise and knowledge in this area to advise on our collective efforts to eradicate VAWDASV in Wales. 

Johanna Robinson and Yasmin Khan, as the current holders of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) National Adviser will continue to operate on a job share basis until 31^st October 2025. The term of the next National Adviser will be 4 years (2025-2029). 

The role of National Adviser was established under the provision of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 (“the Act”).

A total of 31 applications were received and demonstrated the breadth of experience and skills from those committed to tackling VAWDASV. My decision was informed by the Assessment Panel following stakeholder sessions and interviews, and the Report of the Equality and Social Justice Committee who held a pre-appointment scrutiny session on 14 July, and I am grateful to the Committee for their report and to all those involved in the Assessment Panel. 

These appointments were made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

In collaboration with her job share partner, Yasmin Khan, in her current term as National Adviser, Ms. Robinson has established the National Survivor Voice and Scrutiny Panel, bringing survivor experiences into policy making and strategic planning, and the VAWDASV Expert Reference Group which engages with the independent specialist sector.

Ms. Robinson has over 25 years of experience in the VAWDASV sector. Her extensive career reflects a deep commitment to improving services for victims and survivors, influencing systemic change within the criminal justice system and shaping policies aimed at combating gender-based violence. In addition to her National Adviser role, Ms Robinson is a non-judicial member of the Sentencing Council for England and Wales.

I want to express my sincere thanks to Yasmin Khan for her enthusiasm and commitment to championing gender-based violence priorities during her two terms of office. I am particularly grateful to Ms. Khan for chairing the Sustainable Whole System Approach workstream, a key component of the VAWDASV strategy and using her role to amplify survivors’ voices.

I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Khan during the last few months of her term and wish her the best for the future.