Your report concludes that there is a concern about the CCRC’s independence and its relationship with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship with the CCRC is based on the Cabinet Office’s Arm’s Length Body Sponsorship Code of Good Practice6, following the key principles of great sponsorship set out in that Code: purpose: a mutual clear understanding of the purpose of the ALB assurance: a proportionate approach to assurance value: mutual sharing of skills and experience, and engagement: open, honest and constructive relationships The structures that are in place and the interaction the department has with CCRC leadership are based on those principles and delivering the department’s responsibilities set out in the Code. We agree with the characterisation by the then Chief Executive in front of your Committee of the relationship between the MoJ and CCRC as ‘constructive’. However, we welcome any findings of the interim Chair if there are improvements that can be made in how the department interacts with the CCRC – while maintaining the appropriate distance that its functions require.