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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS beats big names for National Training Award

CPS beats big names for National Training Award

23/06/2004

The Crown Prosecution Service's Legal Trainee Scheme has been judged 'Best Recruiter & Trainer - In-house & Public Sector', in a recent legal training and recruitment awards ceremony.

Jointly sponsored by online magazine Law Careers.Net (LCN) and the Trainee Solicitors' Group, the awards honour the best in UK legal training and recruitment. Winners are nominated by the trainees themselves and the CPS beat competition from major legal trainers including Barclaycard and the Government Legal Service.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, said:

"This really is a fantastic achievement and a huge tribute to everyone working in training. This testifies to our attractiveness as an employer and also the extent to which we invest in bringing our people on. We want the best lawyers to join us. They can do so confident in our commitment to offer them exciting and rewarding careers."

Lesley Williams, CPS Training Principal said:

"We are particularly pleased with this award as we were nominated by the people we trained rather than putting ourselves forward. I'd also like to thank the supervisors who lead the day to day training around the country - they put in a lot of hours on top of their regular jobs as prosecutors."

Reasons given for the nominations included local recruitment, the CPS commitment to equal opportunities, flexible working patterns and variety of work.

  1. For further information or pictures, contact CPS Press Office on 020 7710 6088
  2. The LawCareers.Net/Trainee Solicitors' Group Training and Recruitment Awards were held at London's Inner Temple Hall on June 21. Link to their website at www.lawcareers.net
  3. As at 15 June 2004 the CPS had 8 pupils and 50 trainee solicitors. In the 12 months to 15 June 2004 12 pupils have completed their training. Nine of these are now working as crown prosecutors; three have left but two of those are looking to return. In the same period 7 trainee solicitors completed their training and are now working as crown prosecutors.
  4. In 2003 The CPS launched its groundbreaking Law Scholarship scheme, which affords employees the chance to study for legal qualifications ranging from A level to Legal Trainee Solicitor/Bar Vocational Course. The Legal Trainee scheme now forms the final part in this training route.
  5. More information on careers with the CPS is available on our website in the Careers in the CPS section.