Inspectors highlight supportive staff culture in the CPS in South London
CPS London South has a culture of support and engagement, strong leadership and improving casework and performance, according to a report published today by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI).
The report, which was carried out as part of the Inspectorate's Area Assurance Programme (AAP), also highlighted that the Area, which prosecutes criminal cases in South London courts, manages its resources well and operational managers work effectively with criminal justice partners in delivering improvements to victims and witnesses in London.
The report is part of a rigorous ongoing programme of inspections of CPS geographical Areas. It looks at how well the Areas perform against the delivery of organisational priorities.
The report recognised the positive strides that have been made by the Area in the management of the disclosure process. This has included the delivery of training, the introduction of new processes to support prosecutors in delivering disclosure obligations, and a joint improvement plan agreed with police partners in London.
Claire Lindley, CPS London South Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: "We know it is only with the full support and backing of our people that we will deliver the high quality of service the people of South London demand of us. It is very pleasing therefore that the inspectors have highlighted the work we have done in this respect. We have made a lot of progress over the past 18 months, particularly in relation to ensuring we are dealing with our disclosure obligations."
The report made a number of recommendations aimed at making improvements, and the Area has developed an action plan to take these forward. These include working with the police to improve the quality of case files, reviews and the disclosure of unused material. The Area will also be taking steps to improve communications with victims, which has been highlighted as an area for improvement.
Ms Lindley added: "London South has been in operation for nearly 18 months and I am pleased that the inspectors have recognised improvements in the quality of our casework and our performance.
"However, they are equally candid about the areas in which we need to improve. We will continue the work we are doing to improve the way we deal with disclosure and work closely with the police to ensure that we are putting strong, well-prepared cases before the courts that ensure justice is served to the people of South London."