CPS Board meeting minutes - July 2025
Members
Monica Burch (C), Stephen Parkinson, Dr Subo Shanmuganathan, Dr Peter Kane, Julie Lennard, Grace Ononiwu
Guests
Nick Price, Baljit Ubhey, Chris Vinestock, Harvey Palmer, Lisa Benbow, Isabel Field
Secretariat
Max Looker, Stephanie Bradshaw
Apologies
Steve Buckingham
Item 1: Declaration of any conflicts
1.1 No 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 Grace confirmed that work was underway to develop minimum standards. This would be brought back to the Board.
Item 3: Update from the DPP
3.1 The DPP noted recent meetings with Law Officers, and senior staffing changes include upcoming appointments such as Chief People Officer, RemCom Chair, DLS, and CCP’s. The Board recognised the challenges associated with introducing new roles.
3.2 The DPP also noted direct engagement with RASSO staff is underway (with a commitment to take the findings of the inspection seriously and to make use of their input), constructive recommendations in the Casey Report that affect the CPS, and his attendance at the resident judge’s conference. The Chair commented on recent press coverage.
Item 4: RASSO
4.1 Nick and Baljit joined the meeting and discussed casework quality and the improvements needed. Nick outlined the programme. Nick also confirmed that cultural challenges remain.
4.2 The Board queried the approach to case strategy. Nick confirmed the case strategy programme, but more needs to be done. It was noted that the HMCPSI report identified some significant levels of underperformance. The Board queried whether alternative approaches were being considered. It was confirmed that the approach the would be reviewed at the midway point to determine if there was more that needed to be done.
Item 5: IAC report
5.1 Chris Vinestock and Harvey Palmer joined the meeting to provide highlights from the annual report. There was a notable increase of ninety-nine new stage 3 complaints from the previous year. An analysis was conducted to identify the sources and regional variations of these complaints. The majority of complaints were from victims. The report concluded that ten complaints were fully upheld. Chris proposed meetings with the DGs would be valuable to share ideas and learning, particularly regarding complaints that extend beyond specific areas.
5.2 There was general support for the approach to goodwill payments, and the experience of victims was discussed in terms of a need for a system-wide coordination. Additionally, Area-based analysis was recommended to share best practices and inform training. The Board noted the report. Harvey confirmed that there will be a focus on addressing the backlog of stage 3 complaints over the next five months, with additional support being put in place. The proposed next steps were endorsed, including agreement on publication of the report in August.
Item 6: Strategic Comms Update
6.1 Lisa Benbow and Isabel Field joined the meeting. Key points include progress on financial aspects of the strategy and identifying success measures to track progress. Efforts are ongoing to build external communications across Government. Lisa confirmed that there is an emphasis on understanding public perceptions of the organisation, defining key performance indicators, reporting developments, and presenting relevant data.
6.2 The Board queried how comms was being measured and Lisa confirmed that there is a focus on improving metrics for tracking activities, aligning high-level measures with public confidence surveys, and supplementing data collection. Comms reach and engagement metrics are also being monitored. Campaigns are being assessed for their impact. Lisa confirmed that AI capabilities are being leveraged to improve communication initiatives.
6.3 The Board queried changes in the media landscape, focusing on message credibility and effective broadcasting. Lisa confirmed that the CPS remained committed to increasing reach and ensuring transparency. The Board noted the update and supported the changes.
Item 7: Staff Wellbeing
7.1 Helen Starkey joined the meeting presenting the key highlights of the analysis, including AWDL figures. It was noted that management capability and the division of roles between HR and management were under review.
7.2 The Board noted the increasing levels of stress in the organisation and causes of long-term absences. The Board queried if Area performance, employee engagement, and individual performance were being considered alongside the Stress Survey results. Helen confirmed that these were being monitored but no direct correlation had been found, although further work was ongoing to ensure the full picture was available.
7.3 Helen confirmed that there already existed a good range of support services for staff and that the People Hub had been updated with all relevant metrics and programmes of support. It was also noted that support adjustments, especially for RASSO teams, were being updated.
7.4 The Board suggested that the CPS ensures that the proactive approach taken for RASSO teams be reviewed. The Board noted the findings and requested an update in 6 months’ time.
Item 8: AOB
8.1 The DPP thanked Monica for her contribution to the Board during her tenure and for her significant contribution to the CPS.
Meeting closed.
Secretariat – Max Looker & Stephanie Bradshaw
July 2025