Reverend Clive Foster Appointed First Windrush Commissioner to Deliver Justice and Reform
- Maz T Collins
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 22
Reverend Clive Foster MBE has been appointed as the UK’s first Windrush Commissioner, a major step in the government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the Windrush scandal and ensure victims' voices are heard at every stage of reform.
The announcement comes ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June, marking 77 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and celebrating the Windrush generation’s extraordinary contribution to Britain.
A New Independent Role for Change
The Windrush Commissioner is a new, independent role created to oversee the government’s response to the scandal. Reverend Foster will serve a three-year term, working three days a week.
His job will be to hold the government to account, particularly around the Windrush Compensation Scheme, and to make sure the cultural and systemic changes promised are delivered across Whitehall.
“I’m honoured to take on the role,” said Reverend Foster. “Justice must be delivered — not just in words but through real, visible change. The Windrush generations gave so much to this country and deserve better than the treatment they received.”
A Personal Connection to the Windrush Story
Reverend Foster is a senior pastor at Pilgrim Church in Nottingham, a long-time community leader and campaigner, and the founder of the Nottingham Windrush Support Forum. His parents migrated from Jamaica in 1959, giving him direct ties to the Windrush generation. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Windrush National Organisation.
“The injustices faced by the Windrush generations must never be repeated,” he said. “That means action, accountability, and reform. I will carry out this role independently and ensure scrutiny leads to real improvement.”
Government Response Under Pressure
The Windrush scandal came to light in 2018, revealing that hundreds of long-settled Commonwealth citizens had been wrongly detained, deported, or denied access to work, housing, and healthcare. Despite being invited to Britain legally between 1948 and 1971, many were unable to prove their status due to a lack of official documentation.
The consequences were devastating: people lost their homes, jobs, healthcare access, and in some cases, their liberty.
The government’s response — especially the Windrush Compensation Scheme — has been criticised as slow, bureaucratic, and inadequate. Campaigners have long called for an independent process, noting that at least 64 claimants have died before receiving any compensation.
Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Justice
The new Labour government pledged to speed up justice for victims of the Windrush Scandal and ensure the mistakes of the past are never repeated as part of the election manifesto. Alongside Reverend Foster’s appointment, it has re-established the Windrush Unit and committed £1.5 million in new funding to help people navigate the compensation process.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The Windrush generations are part of the fabric of our nation. This government is absolutely determined to right the wrongs they suffered.
“I’m delighted to welcome Reverend Clive Foster as our Windrush Commissioner. His lived experience, deep community roots, and dedication to justice make him the right person to lead this work.”
A Role to Honour and Celebrate
While focused on securing justice, Reverend Foster also sees the role as a chance to honour the Windrush legacy.
“The Windrush generations should not be defined by a scandal,” he said. “They should be recognised for their strength, resilience, and incredible contribution to the UK. Now is the time to celebrate and uplift that story.”.
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