CPS earns praise for promoting diversity

27/11/2006

A report published by HMCPS Inspectorate has praised the steady progress achieved by the CPS in relation to work-force diversity.

The report on employment practices found 'commitment to change and strength of leadership' in the organisation and also noted that the percentage of women Chief Crown Prosecutors had risen from 18% in 2003 to 26% in 2005, while the percentage of ethnic minorities had grown from 8% to 13%.

It acknowledged that the CPS was the only criminal justice organisation to publish a comprehensive annual employment equality review, and that clear standards of behaviour had been established with more staff feeling they were treated with fairness and respect.

Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC commented: "We are very proud of our diversity in the CPS. The work we have done to reflect the communities at all levels represents the best of our values."

• HMCPSI is the independent Inspectorate for the Crown Prosecution Service.