Data regarding the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) National Legal Trainee Scheme for Barristers (pupillage) recruitment campaigns 2021 to 2024
Request
With reference to the CPS National Legal Trainee Scheme for Barristers (pupillage), for each of the recruitment campaigns in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (where the post would be taken up the following autumn) please provide:–
- The number of posts advertised and (if different) the number of initial offers made.
- The number of applicants placed on the reserve list on the date initial offers were made.
- The number of applicants on the reserve list who were subsequently made an offer prior to the start date.
- The minimum number of days between an (eventually successful) applicant being placed on the reserve list, and being made an offer.
- The maximum number of days between an (eventually successful) applicant being placed on the reserve list, and being made an offer.
- The average number of days between an (eventually successful) applicant being placed on the reserve list, and being made an offer.
With reference to the 2025 recruitment campaign, please provide:–
- The number of initial offers made.
- The number of applicants placed on the reserve list on the initial offer date (09 May 2025).
- The number of applicants on the reserve list who have been made an offer after the initial offer date and thus the number of applicants who remain on the reserve list as at the date of your reply (or as close to that date as possible, specifying that date).
Response
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does hold some recorded information falling within the scope of your request.
In the first instance it should be noted that we hold no recorded information concerning the years 2021 and 2022, in line with the CPS record retention schedule governing HR records.
The below table therefore addresses questions 1,2 and 3 above for the years 2023 to 2025.
| Year | Posts Advertised | Initial Offers Made | Applicants placed on the Wait List | Number of wait list offers made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 40 | 44 | 54 | 18 |
| 2024 | 40 | 44 | 54 | 19 |
| 2025 | 40 | 33 | 60 | 0 |
Due to the Legal Training Scheme offering posts 18 months in advance of starting with the CPS, the organisation over offers each year. We see general attrition rates for individuals rejecting offer, not passing exams, or withdrawing from the scheme due to other reasons. By the anticipated start date, the recruitment team uses the reserve list to get the final numbers as close to 40 as possible.
With regards to your questions 4, 5 and 6 the CPS does not hold this data. However, by way of advice and assistance candidates had the potential to remain on the waiting list until the following September, ahead of the cohort start date.