Karen O'Brien Communications Manager Crown Prosecution Service Merseyside

I joined the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 1997 after working as a Metropolitan Police Constable in London. I was interested in the role in Communications due to the range of responsibilities involved and the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people as well as the media.

My role requires me to work both internally, with other employees of CPS, and externally, promoting the public face of the organisation. I aim to strengthen public confidence in CPS through implementation of the Area Communication Strategy and producing and distributing local communication materials.

Internally I advise Senior Management on matters of organisational culture, encourage managers to communicate effectively with their teams and ensure corporate communications are effectively distributed to staff across the area. I also provide details of Area stories and initiatives for inclusion in a variety of publications including CPS News and Inform to promote the work and events from the Merseyside area across the other CPS Areas.

My day to day role varies but typically I take many press queries and respond to enquiries from local and regional media. I am responsible for monitoring local media to ensure accurate reporting and rebut any inaccuracies accordingly.

A key motivation in my role is the great job satisfaction I get from publicising the work of the Area ...I also produce and develop communication material to circulate to staff, including Newsletters and area reports and I am always on the lookout for opportunities to promote CPS Merseyside at community events, as well as through local radio, TV and newspapers.

A key motivation in my role is the great job satisfaction I get from publicising the work of the Area and in strengthening public confidence in CPS and the wider Criminal Justice System. Other advantages of working within CPS include the opportunity for flexible working, allowing me to maintain a healthy work life balance and manage my time effectively, while having the benefit of fantastic opportunities for professional development.