Supporting staff through networks
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) funds three staff networks providing advice and support to staff and the wider organisation. They include the Disabled Staff Network (DSN), the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Network and the National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA).
Each network supports their members through events, by raising awareness of issues and contributing to the development of CPS policies and the business agenda on equality and diversity.
Benefits of CPS staff networks
Benefits for members:
- Source of support information and guidance
- Support personal development of members
- Allow for sharing of experiences
- Empower staff by increasing knowledge
- Build confidence amongst network members
- Offer a safe, mutually supportive environment to discuss and address issues.
Benefits for the wider organisation:
- Provide support for the organisation on equality and diversity
- Help ensure better policy making
- Provide role models for progress
- Increase sense of belonging and commitment to the organisation
- Contribute to better motivated staff
- Demonstrate CPS commitment to equality and diversity.
Disabled Staff Network (DSN)
The DSN offers support for CPS disabled staff via discussion forums, email and the DSN live board. The network aims to influence CPS policy and decision making, and to this end, they are active in policy consultations, as well as training.
The DSN holds a number of meetings annually both closed and opened. Closed meetings provide a confidential environment where discussions take place about disability related issues.
Open meetings and other events such as the Disability Awareness Day and the DSN Conference, are open to all staff that support the network and have an interest in disability matters.
Email: DSN@cps.gsi.gov.uk
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans Network (LGBT Network)
Formed in 2002, the LGBT Network provides support, raises awareness, and represents the views of LGBT staff.
The network works with the CPS on various policies that affect the LGBT community, such as CPS Prosecution Policy on Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Crime.
They also contribute to internal policy making, advising on HR and EDU policies such as the recently revised flexible working policy and the Single Equality Scheme.
As with other networks, the LGBT Network holds regular meetings and events including a conference being held on 5-6 February 2009 to celebrate LGBT History Month.
provides support, raises awareness, and represents the views of LGBT staff.
Elizabeth Turner, Communications Officer for the LGBT Network, comments: "This year we are working on improving our communications with Areas and individuals, in order to improve the employment experience for LGBT staff, as well as victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system."
Email: lgbt.queries@cps.gsi.gov.uk or for confidential issues lgbt.co-chair@cps.gsi.gov.uk
CPS wins employer award
Now in its ninth year, the index from campaigning group Stonewall tracks the impact of workplace culture on gay, lesbian and bisexual employees and is a key barometer of diversity practices. The 2013 index, which also included a survey of more than 8,900 gay and lesbian employees, had 376 entries across many sectors, and the CPS appears at number 55.
The CPS LGBT Network was also awarded Star Performer Network, indicating that Network makes an invaluable contribution to the experience of LGB staff in the organisation and beyond.
National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA)
The NBCPA was formed in 2001 to work with the CPS to eliminate race discrimination.
"The purpose of the association is clearly not just to bear witness to history, but rather to shape it in ways that serve the cause of equality and diversity," said NBCPA Communications Officer, Shakrat Alli.
"We will continue to move that agenda forward by ensuring that the employment experiences of all black and minority ethnic staff in the CPS are positive and successful."
So far Shakrat said there had been many successes including: The pioneering advocacy training developed by the NBCPA, which has since been recommended and adopted by many CPS Areas.
...ensuring that the employment experiences of all black and minority ethnic staff in the CPS are positive and successful
The NBCPA strategy ensures that channels of communication are kept open throughout the year which includes hosting an annual conference. This year it will be held on 31 October in London and the theme will reflect on recent gun and knife crime.
Email: NBCPA@cps.gsi.gov.uk
