Annex D – Associate Prosecutors Training and Selection
Criteria for designation
All persons designated under section 7A (1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 are generally known as Associate Prosecutors (APs).
All persons are selected for the AP role through fair and open competition or appointed in accordance with published CPS policy on "Staff movements within the CPS, including retirement, redundancy, promotion and transfer".
In order to be designated as an AP all persons must meet the criteria and satisfy the personal competencies for the role. These competencies include having experience of casework within the criminal justice system or of lay presentation, and having a working knowledge of criminal law and its application, magistrates' courts procedure and the criminal justice system.
Training
All prospective APs undertake an internal training programme which involves assimilating a comprehensive resource pack through distance learning and attending both a foundation course (legal principles) and a separate advocacy course, unless by virtue of their being a practising Crown Prosecutor immediately prior to re-grading as an AP, it is determined that they already possess the knowledge and experience necessary to exercise the designated powers.
The training equips the applicant with the knowledge and advocacy skills to undertake a review and presentational role in the magistrates' courts in accordance with the Instructions issued by the Director, under section 7A (3) and (4) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. Applicants attending this training will only be designated as an AP where they have passed an independent assessment of competence at its conclusion.
After successfully completing the advocacy course, APs have to complete a face-to-face training course dealing with bail applications. It is recommended that this is completed no longer than three to four months after the Advocacy assessment.
APs also have access to the CPS e-learning modules to further enhance their knowledge. These include Acceptance of Pleas, Criminal Procedure Rules, Assault Sentencing Guidelines and Custody Time Limits.
APs selected to prosecute trials in summary only non-imprisonable offences, and other contested cases, are known as Level 2 Associate Prosecutors (AP2s). AP2s undertake an intensive additional training programme, unless by virtue of their being a practising Crown Prosecutor prior to re-grading as an AP2, it is determined that they already possess the knowledge and experience necessary to perform that role.
The additional AP2 training involves the study of e-learning modules, observation of experienced advocates in trials and other contested hearings, attending a five day course on the underpinning knowledge and skills required for the role and a further five day practical advocacy course.
All prospective AP2s who attend this training must pass an independent assessment of competence at the end of the second five day course before they are permitted to deal with the summary trials and other contested hearings as set out in the Director's Instructions.
Continuing professional development
All APs must complete 16 hours of continuing professional development training per year.
