Having a strong capability to Deliver
Estates Management
During the year, the CPS has utilised an Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Framework Contract to award a new managing agents contract which also allows for the integration and provision of facility management services. Use of the managing agents has continued to deliver cashable savings in relation to business rates and within 2007/08 it is estimated that a further £330,000 has been saved.
The CPS remains focused on ensuring that its Estates Strategy continues to meet business needs and best practice. This year, the CPS has voluntarily taken part in the OGC Property Benchmarking Scheme in order to evaluate how the estate is "performing" and to identify areas where improvements or efficiencies could be achieved.
The accommodation cost per head for 2007/08 is £5,462, an increase of 2.5% on the previous year.
Capability Review
The CPS’s Capability Review report was published in June 2007. The report placed the department in a good position on the list of Whitehall departments that have been evaluated.
The review focuses on how well the CPS is able to deliver now and in the future. In response to the review, the CPS has developed a detailed implementation plan that describes what success will look like in terms of improved outcomes at 6, 12 and 24 months and describes the key actions that will be undertaken to bring about these improvements. These are being closely monitored through the CPS governance structures and the CPS is also required to report to the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, on progress.
The CPS had its formal six-month stocktake with Sir Gus in January 2008 and the feedback on progress was positive. The Service is now working to ensure that the actions being undertaken will deliver demonstrable and measurable improvements to staff, stakeholders and communities for the 12-month stocktake.
Management Review
In July 2007, the CPS began a Management Review to look at:
- The roles to be played by the centre, taking account of the Group and 42 Area structure and the business centres;
- The role of HQ in this context;
- A new framework agreement covering the roles and responsibilities of the centre, Groups, 42 Areas and the business centres; and
- Proposals on changes to the governance arrangements to match the new structure and meet the points in the Capability Review.
Two key strands of work were identified: assessing the mix of work undertaken in different parts of the organisation to find the best fit for the future; and developing plans to manage changes in the size, shape and skills base of the CPS workforce over the next three to five years.
Following a report to the CPS Board in November, a new operating model for HQ was agreed. Work is now underway to develop detailed proposals to deliver the recommendations in the report which will be agreed by summer 2008. An implementation programme to deliver the necessary changes in the size and shape of HQ will then be delivered through 2008/09 and beyond.
Improving Governance Arrangements
Following the publication of the Capability Review report, the CPS undertook a review of corporate governance in summer 2007. This resulted in revised committee arrangements that came into effect from September 2007. The membership of the Board has been reduced from 17 to 7 and the number of committees from four to three, being:
- Corporate Delivery and Management Group;
- Group Chairs Group; and
- Audit Committee.
There are clear accountability lines between the Board and the committees and these are built into published terms of reference. A single secretariat function provides streamlined and coordinated support and ensures that links between committee workstrands are identified and managed effectively.
(For further detail on governance see the Resource Accounts)
Improved Procurement
During 2007/08, the CPS has been working towards introducing a procure to pay (P2P) system. The system should produce a number of improvements including: reduced lead times through on-line ordering; improved budgetary control of procurement expenditure; and better management information. Rollout of the system has commenced with five CPS Areas going live. Orders are being placed electronically with 30 suppliers for a range of goods and services
The CPS has also been working closely with the other Law Officers’ Departments on a project that will facilitate the use of electronic equipment in the presentation of evidence in court. This involves capturing evidence in an electronic format (for example, scanning instead of photocopying) and presenting it to court in this manner. The benefits will include easier transportation, simpler and faster presentation in court, fewer staff resources and more professional input where greater technical expertise is required. The aim is to have a contract in place by summer 2008.
The department was awarded the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply's certificate in April 2008, for achieving the standard of excellence in purchasing policies and procedures.
Improving the Management of Prosecution Costs
The CPS works closely with the MoJ and Legal Service Commission on a coordinated approach for defence and prosecution costs, to help ensure that both parts of government are joined-up when dealing with the financial management of criminal cases.
The CPS also uses Case Management Panels to provide assurance to the Attorney General, and the wider CJS community. These ensure that appropriate consideration has been given to all pertinent issues surrounding the launch of any substantial case due to last eight weeks or more at trial and that the continuing strategic management of the case is kept under regular review. The Panel also provides a suitable forum for the reviewing lawyer to confirm that their considered prosecution strategy is sound.
Case Management Panels in the most significant cases are chaired by the DPP, otherwise they are chaired by CCPs.
Sustainable Development
In March 2005 the Government published ‘Securing the Future’, an updated Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK. The strategy sets out the government’s overall plans and required all government departments to draw up proposals for tackling sustainable development issues.
The CPS, as part of the Law Officers’ Departments, has completed an action plan which was reported upon within the Law Officers’ Departments Departmental Report 2008.
The Sustainable Development in Government Report 2007 was published earlier this year, and as part of the Law Officers’ Departments CPS performance has improved and continues to do so.
