CPS South Yorkshire Rated Excellent in Inspection
13/12/2005
CPS South Yorkshire has been rated as excellent in an inspection report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate published today (Tuesday 13 December).
As one of only two Areas so far to be rated as excellent the inspectors said that it was to the credit of the staff that CPS South Yorkshire has achieved good assessments across all aspects of performance.
The Inspectors visited South Yorkshire in August this year and carried out the Overall Performance Assessment. The assessment provided a benchmark against 14 aspects of our work including the service to victims and witnesses, leadership and securing community confidence.
The Area was complemented on the service provided to victims and witnesses. The inspectors recognised the difference the Areas five witness care units have made since they were established in June. In addition the Area was praised for its direct communication with victims and its effective liaison with the witness service.
In 2004, CPS South Yorkshire took over responsibility for charging and the benefits of this in terms of starting cases out on the right foot and reducing unsuccessful outcomes were recognised by the inspectorate.
Judith Walker, Chief Crown Prosecutor said: We are delighted that the inspectors have recognised the excellent work of CPS South Yorkshire.
The Inspectors also praised the close working relationship we have developed with our criminal justice partners in South Yorkshire. We have worked hard to establish this and are delighted that we are now bringing even more offenders to justice. Together we have brought about substantial positive change and are pleased to report that the number of wasteful ineffective trials has significantly reduced.
This report is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that staff at CPS South Yorkshire give everyday. I am proud to be part of CPS South Yorkshire and feel very pleased that our commitment to reducing crime and the fear of crime has been recognised.
-ends-
NOTE TO EDITORS:
1. Please note this information is embargoed until 00.00 13 December 2005
2. This press release accompanies the press release issued today by HMCPSI
3. The table below provides a breakdown of CPS South Yorkshires assessed level of performance against the fourteen aspects:
CRITICAL ASPECTS
Pre-charge decision-making - Good
Ensuring successful outcomes - Good
Leadership - Excellent
The service to victims and witnesses - Good
Resource management - Good
OTHER DEFINING ASPECTS
Managing magistrates' courts cases - Good
Managing Crown Court cases - Good
Handling sensitive cases and hate crimes - Good
Custody time limits - Good
Disclosure - Good
Presenting and progressing cases at court - Good
Delivering change - Good
Managing performance to improve - Good
Securing community confidence - Good
4. The Inspectorate has visited all 42 CPS Areas over six months to provide a benchmark from which future work can be informed. This information will be used to determine where best to focus its resources in order to promote improvement within the CPS and the Criminal Justice System as a whole.
5. The report on CPS South Yorkshire is one of twenty two reports published today.
6. To arrange an interview with Judith Walker, Chief Crown Prosecutor please contact Clare Cocken on 0114 229 8738 or 07949975037