CPS Board meeting minutes - June 2025
Members
Monica Burch (C), Stephen Parkinson, Dr Subo Shanmuganathan, Dr Peter Kane, Steve Buckingham
Guests
Tristan Bradshaw, Rachel Zaltzman, Helen Starkey, Martin Goldman, Lindsey McNally (SB Chair)
Secretariat
Max Looker, Stephanie Bradshaw
Apologies
Julie Lennard
Item 1: Declaration of any conflicts
1.1 No additional conflicts of interest were raised.
Item 2: Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
2.1 The Board reviewed and agreed the minutes.
2.2 The Chair noted that the actions took into account the Board's comments.
Item 3: Update from the DPP
Spending review
3.1 Steve confirmed that the headlines are under embargo. The Board congratulated the team on the excellent results. The DPP also expressed pride in the team's efforts.
3.2 Lindsey enquired about informing staff of the outcome. Steve confirmed messaging for leaders is being prepared, with formal communication to follow after the budget is published.
Inspectorate report
3.3 The DPP raised the imminent publication of the RASSO review. The report reveals concerns about decision-making. Issues within RASSO units have been identified and the DPP sees the report as a catalyst for necessary changes.
3.4 The DPP asked for a three-point plan to be developed which will acknowledge the problem, recognise the issue, and provide assurances that efforts are being made to address the issues.
3.5 The DPP emphasized that this won't be a one-time plan, and a second round of strategy work for RASSO is in progress.
3.6 The Chair raised the need for monitoring the plan and performance to ensure steps are being executed.
Item 4: Q4 Operational Performance
4.1 Tristan presented the key highlights from Q4.
4.2 Tristan confirmed the new KPIs are agreed; however, further work is required to determine how they drive performance and provide more accurate indicators at the Area level.
4.3 The Chair requested a summary of the changes included in the next update.
4.4 Tristan raised there has seen an increase in demand impacting pre-charge performance, though charging decisions have remained steady. Efforts are being made to address the charging landscape in line with our future operating model, considering case volume and material.
4.5 Work has taken place to merge the London RASSO units to address timely decision-making challenges and backlog issues.
4.6 Case load management in magistrates' courts shows positive performance despite increasing casework and volumes. The migration of Crown Court work to Magistrates' Courts remains stable. The Chair noted that the outcomes of the Leveson report.
4.7 CTL dashboards and tools have been developed for Areas to manage workload and resources effectively. Lindsey praised the narrative around compliance grip and queried the quarterly reporting of noncompliance against when the compliance took place. Tristan mentioned HMCPSI inspections on CTL’s will include more detailed narrative.
4.8 HMCPSI reports are expected to be issued in Q1, including one focused on legal decision-making in RASSO cases.
Item 5: Q4 Business Plan Update
5.1 Rachel Zaltzman joined to present the top headlines from Q4 noting this year's Business Plan.
5.2 The Board raised concerns about general performance with 65% of the Business Plan being delivered in year. Rachel confirmed there were issues during the year. The portfolio office has been established and there has been improvement in our business case mechanisms. Rachel also confirmed that a ‘lessons learned’ exercise will be completed and mid-year reviews will continue.
5.3 The Board discussed the possibility of linking individual performance to our structure and framework. The Chair confirmed that RemCom has reviewed these points.
5.4 The DPP agreed a prioritisation review to maintain appropriate focus. Steve noted that there has now been a shift towards a greater leadership focus on people. Rachel noted the aim of balancing ambition with the achievable. The Programme Oversight Group (POG) is focusing on the impact of people-centric changes.
Item 6: People Survey Action Plan
6.1 Helen Starkey presented key updates.
6.2 Lindsey noted the need for regular updates from leadership about survey performance data and Area-specific actions. The Board raised concerns about the timescale and pace of improvement.
6.3 The DPP acknowledged the importance of quick responses, the publication of the action plan, and ongoing work to empower and train leaders, and communication efforts should reflect these efforts.
6.4 Helen confirmed steps are being taken to enhance capability in Leadership and managing change. Helen also noted the Civil Service people survey is undergoing changes.
Item 7: Crown Advocacy Update
7.1 Martin Goldman presented the next stage of delivery and the Board noted progress on the Advocacy Model Review, which will form the basis of the 2030 Advocacy Strategy.
7.2 The Board discussed the potential need for a hub arrangement to better utilise resources and protect local connections, especially in smaller Areas. The Board thanked everyone for the progress despite challenges.
Item 8: RemCom & ARAC Chair updates
8.1 RemCom
- Senior Structure update and recruitment to take place to deliver the structure,
- Work on succession planning identify the critical roles and uniformity internally/externally.
8.2 ARAC
- Assurance on Annual Report & Accounts (ARA).
8.3 Steve thanked NEBM for feedback already received on the ARA. NAO will only be offering formal views on the next version.
Item 9: AOB
Meeting closed.
Secretariat – Max Looker & Stephanie Bradshaw
June 2025