Chapter 1 - Whitley Councils

Appendices

The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to obtaining the support of all its staff in pursuing the aims and objectives of the Department. Good industrial relations are central to this process. Accordingly, a framework has been established within which constructive industrial relations can be conducted at all levels of the Department.
This framework, which provides for discussion between management and the recognised trade unions - the Association of First Division Civil Servants (FDA) and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) - of all matters affecting the terms and conditions of service of staff, consists of a Departmental Whitley Council and various sub-committees, together with Area and Headquarters Whitley Councils.

At departmental level, the discussion of general matters affecting the terms and conditions of service of staff takes place at the Departmental Whitley Council. The Council meets three times a year. The annual general meeting, in December, is chaired by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The other meetings are chaired by the Chief Executive. In addition to the Director and the Chief Executive, the Management Side comprises the Headquarters' Directors. The Departmental Management Side Secretary is responsible for the provision of secretariat support to the Council and other Whitley committees at departmental level.
The Trade Union Side of the Departmental Whitley Council consists of eight members: these will normally be the Departmental Trade Union Side (DTUS) Chair and Secretary, who are appointed by the DTUS; one full-time official from the Association of First Division Servants (FDA) and one from the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), and two CPS representatives of each of these unions. This composition, within the overall number, may be varied depending on the items to be discussed.

A number of sub-committees of the Departmental Whitley Council have been set up to discuss specific departmental issues. These are:-

Personnel Management Committee
This committee is chaired by the Human Resources Director and draws its Management Side membership from HR Directorate. It meets quarterly to discuss departmental issues that are the responsibility of HR Directorate. The Trade Union Side consists of eight members drawn from the two unions.
Health and Safety Committee
This committee is chaired by Director, Finance and draws its Management Side membership from HQ Directorates. It meets quarterly. The Trade Union Side consists of six members drawn from the two unions.
Resources Committee
This committee is chaired by Director, Finance and draws its Management Side membership from Finance Directorate. It meets as needed to discuss funding and budget allocations. The Trade Union Side consists of six members drawn from the two unions.
Business Development Committee
This committee is chaired by the Business Development Director and draws its Management Side membership from HQ Directorates. It meets quarterly. The Trade Union Side consists of six members drawn from the two unions.

Area Whitley Councils discuss issues affecting the terms and conditions of staff within the particular Area. The Council is chaired by the Chief Crown Prosecutor and meets quarterly, drawing its Management Side membership from Area management. The Trade Union Side members are drawn from the accredited representatives within the Area. The model Area Whitley Council Constitution is at Appendix 1.

CPS Headquarters Whitley Council discusses issues affecting the terms and conditions of staff within CPS HQ. The Council is chaired by a senior member of HR Directorate and meets quarterly, drawing its Management Side membership from HQ Directorates. The Trade Union Side members are drawn from the accredited representatives within CPS HQ. The Headquarters Whitley Council Constitution is at Appendix 2.