CPS steps taken to implement and embed the National Framework for Working with Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Support Services since 10 October 2024
Request
What steps the CPS has taken to implement and embed the National Framework for Working with Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Support Services since 10 October 2024.
If possible, please provide any documents, reports, guidance, or internal communications that detail these steps.
Response
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds the following information within the scope of your request.
In response to the first part of your request, we set out below the steps the CPS has taken to implement and embed the National Framework for Working with Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Support Services (‘the ISVA Framework’).
In January 2021, the police and CPS launched the Joint National Action Plan (JNAP), setting out our intention to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape and serious sexual offences. As part of the JNAP’s work, the ISVA Framework was introduced in June 2021 as a joint CPS and policing initiative setting out minimum standards for working with ISVAs and local services that support victims within a criminal justice context.
The JNAP was a foundation that supported the development of Operation Soteria, which developed the Police and CPS National Operating Models (NOMs) for rape cases. Together, Police and CPS have developed policies and guidance reflecting current best practice, working through the JNAP to consistently put policy into practice.
Structurally in the CPS the ISVA Framework has primarily been progressed within the CPS through two initiatives – the development and launch of the Rape National Operating Model and the Victim Transformation Programme.
The National Operating Model for Adult Rape, launched in July 2023, made several commitments to support victims of RASSO. This included ensuring ISVAs were included in the scrutiny of victim communications, having dedicated ISVA mailboxes for a direct communication channel and promoting consistent application of our ISVA Framework. The National Operating Model also mandated each CPS Area to hold regular Rape Scrutiny Panels, ensuring multi-agency representation including ISVAs.
Through the Victim Transformation Programme, the CPS has introduced a new enhanced service for adult victims of rape and serious sexual offences. This includes recruiting over 40 Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) to work in our rape and sexual offences units. These VLOs provide a consistent point of contact within the CPS for victims and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors supporting them.
A number of governance and assurance processes exist to support delivery of the National Operating Model and ensure high quality RASSO casework, including working with ISVAs. RASSO Units Heads meet quarterly to discuss national best practice and share learning from local scrutiny panels, quarterly meetings have been held with CPS Areas to ensure delivery against NOM commitments, Chief Crown Prosecutors are members of a Rape Casework Board and in February 2025 the CPS hosted our first National Rape Scrutiny Panel with external stakeholders, including ISVAs.
We continue to engage with ISVAs and gather feedback through various forums, including a VAWG External Consultation Group that meets quarterly, Local Scrutiny and Improvement Panels (LSIPs) and local Rape Scrutiny Panels.
In response to the second part of your request please see the links below.