Recruitment

Careers in the Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the Government Department responsible for prosecuting people in England and Wales who have been charged by the police with a criminal offence.

There are currently 42 CPS Areas, each one corresponding with a Police Force. Each Area is headed by a Chief Crown Prosecutor (CCP). In Dorset this is Kate Brown.

The CPS nationally employs over 7,100 total staff in the Service, including some 2,365 lawyers and 4,779 caseworkers and administration staff. In Dorset we currently employ 26 lawyers including 2 designated caseworkers, 10 caseworkers and 23 administration staff.

Prosecutor Posts £25,648 - £47,685

Prosecutors are responsible for reviewing and, where appropriate, prosecuting criminal cases following investigation by the police. They also advise the police on matters relating to criminal cases. In each case reviewed the prosecutor will consider whether there is sufficient evidence and, if so, whether the public interest requires a prosecution.

A Higher Court Advocate (HCA) is a CPS lawyer with Higher Rights qualifications able to prosecute at Crown Court.

Qualifications

To apply for a post as a lawyer you must be a solicitor admitted in England and Wales with a full current practising certificate, or a barrister called to the English Bar who has completed pupillage. You will need:

• excellent skills in advocacy and personal organisation;
• ability to work effectively within a team;
• sound judgement and the capacity to work accurately under pressure.

Caseworker posts £18,425 £23,822

The role of the caseworker is to undertake casework functions by assisting prosecutors in case management through processing and initial preparation of casework. The duties include casework preparation, personal casework management, attendance at court, post court administration, assessment of professional fees and liaison with witnesses and other organisations within the criminal justice system. You will need:

• sound judgement and an ability to reach balanced and unbiased views, and an ability to analyse problems and produce practical workable solutions;
• ability to work as part of a team, often under pressure;
• experience of, or potential for, managing staff;
• being able to prioritise work and manage own time effectively, and an ability to balance conflicting priorities where necessary.

Administrative posts £12,192 £17,412

Other staff work in administrative functions such as casework, finance, information technology, training, personnel and management support. Administrators are recruited from all kinds of backgrounds, with a variety of experience and ability. You will need:

• excellent organisational skills;
• ability to communicate clearly and confidently;
• ability to work well under pressure and be able to demonstrate initiative, drive and determination within a team environment

Equal Opportunities at The CPS

In line with The CPS Equal Opportunities Policy Statement we select the best people for the job regardless of sex, colour, race, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, marital status, working pattern, sexual orientation, and gender. We operate a complaints procedure for those who feel they have been unfairly treated as a result of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Training and development

We actively encourage our staff to undergo training and professional development. Training is provided by the local office or headquarters or through courses held externally. The wide range of courses for lawyers are accredited by the Law Society. In addition, CPS staff may take advantage of programmes and courses run by the Civil Service Training College including a Law Scholorship scheme. As with other Government departments, The CPS is committed to the Investors in People programme.

Benefits of working for The CPS:

• opportunities to gain experience from different functions or to specialise in a particular area;
• opportunities for flexible working, including flexitime, part-time working, compressed hours, job-sharing, and career breaks;
• 22/25 days annual leave with the potential to rise to 30 days. In addition there are 10.5 public holidays and privilege days;
• support with childcare through the departmental childcare scheme;
• the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.