Message from Harry Ireland, West Midlands Chief Crown Prosecutor

CPS West Midlands, Chief Crown Prosecutor, Harry IrelandCore Quality Standards sets out minimum standards as to how we do our work.  This enables our staff to have clarity on what is expected of them. They also help them and the public to understand how each of us contribute to a high class public prosecution service.

It provides accountability to the public and our partner agencies within the Criminal Justice System so they are clear as to what service they can expect from us.

Whilst we still have performance targets, which are often more about process, the Standards are concerned with the quality of our work.  For example, it is of little value in providing the police legal advice that is timely but incorrect.  It should be both.

As far as the public is concerned the vast majority, fortunately, do not have direct contact with the Criminal Justice System.  However, they obviously wish to feel secure and free from the fear of crime.  By delivering a quality service in terms of prosecuting offenders we contribute to these aims.  For those members of the pubic who are unfortunate enough to have such direct contact, whether as victims or witnesses, the Standards set out the level of service they can expect from the CPS.

The Standards and the Code for Crown Prosecutors together provide a comprehensive overview of our work, how we undertake that work and the standards the public can expect in our delivery of the prosecution process.

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Core Quality Standards

Core Quality StandardsFollowing the consultation, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmar, has issued the new Core Quality Standards.

Standard 1: We will provide the police and other investigators with advice to assist in tackling crime effectively and bringing offenders to justice.

Standard 2: We will make timely, effective and fair charging decisions in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

Standard 3: We will use out-of-court disposals as alternatives to prosecution, where appropriate, to gain speedy reparation for victims and to rehabilitate or punish offenders.

Standard 4: We will oppose bail for defendants where appropriate, taking particular account of the risk posed to victims and the public.

Standard 5: We will prepare all our cases promptly and in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Rules so that guilty pleas can be entered at the earliest opportunity, and fair trials can take place on the appointed dates.

Standard 6: We will present our cases fairly and firmly.

Standard 7: We will assess the needs of victims and witnesses, keep them informed about the progress of their case and seek appropriate support to help them to give their best evidence.

Standard 8: We will explain our decisions to victims when we stop cases or substantially alter the charge.

Standard 9: We will assist the court in the sentencing process and seek to confiscate the proceeds of crime.

Standard 10: We will consider whether to exercise our rights of appeal when we believe the court has made the wrong legal decision.

Standard 11: We will deal promptly and openly with complaints about our decisions and the service we provide.

Standard 12: We will engage with communities so that we are aware of their concerns when we make decisions.

Link to the main CPS website with detailed information about the core quality standards