CPS South Yorkshire Rated Excellent in 2007 Inspection

23/01/2008

CPS South Yorkshire has been given an excellent rating in a report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate published on Tuesday 22 January.

The Overall Performance Assessment process provides a benchmark for each CPS Areas performance in thirteen key aspects of work.  Each of the aspects is assessed as being excellent, good, fair or poor.  The Area is then assessed on its overall performance in the light of these markings.

As one of only two Areas to be rated consecutively excellent in both 2005 and 2007, the inspectors said that South Yorkshire has worked hard to maintain high standards.  It added that performance and change management systems are in place to ensure that improvement continues.

The Inspectors visited South Yorkshire in September 2007 and carried out a detailed inspection.  They looked at a full range of topics, including the service to victims and witnesses, leadership and ensuring successful case outcomes.

In 2006-07, the proportion of successful outcomes (cases ending in conviction) in the Crown Court and magistrates courts was ahead of target and the national average, while still improving.  Importantly, the proportion of successful outcomes in sensitive and hate crime cases also increased ahead of the national target and performance.

Nigel Cowgill, Chief Crown Prosecutor said:  'This is a remarkable achievement following on from an Excellent rating in the previous assessment, and South Yorkshire is one of only two areas to have maintained this consecutive standard.  The hard work of all our staff has been recognised by this award, and we are understandably proud of this record.'

'As with all Inspections however, there are areas of our work which have been highlighted for improvement, and which we had already recognised as requiring action.  Work is already in progress to address those issues.'

-ends-

NOTE TO EDITORS:
1.  This press release follows the press release issued by HMCPSI.
2.  The list below provides a breakdown of the assessed level of performance against the thirteen aspects.

CRITICAL ASPECTS

 Pre-charge decision making     Good
 Ensuring successful outcomes in the magistrates courts Good
 Ensuring successful outcomes in the Crown Court  Good
The service to victims and witnesses    Good
 Leadership       Good

Overall Critical Assessment Level:  Good

 Progressing cases at court     Good
 Sensitive cases and hate crime    Excellent
 Disclosure       Fair
 Custody time limits      Fair
 Delivering change      Excellent
 Managing resources      Good
 Managing performance to improve    Good
 Securing community confidence    Excellent

OVERALL ASSESSMENT:  EXCELLENT

3.  To arrange an interview with Nigel Cowgill, Chief Crown Prosecutor, please contact Andrea Marshall on 0114 229 8621 or 0794 997 5037