My background

Before joining the CPS in 2021, I was a Crown Court advocate working within private practice at the Public Defender Service. I conducted serious trials all over the country but was proud to have my home courts in the North West - I was principally based in Manchester.

I still consider myself an advocate at heart, and it was a role I enjoyed and valued enormously. It was a huge personal decision to leave advocacy and join the CPS as a legal manager.   

My inspiration

I'm passionate about improving standards. I recognise that significant improvements can be made to the experience of everyone who appears before the courts. Within the CPS I can make a wider contribution. I'm determined to help improve the experience of victims and witnesses, focusing on high-quality preparation, engagement and advocacy.  I can genuinely say that I find inspiration from the dedication, talent and enthusiasm of my colleagues - they all share this common purpose and achieve great things on a daily basis.

My typical day

I have responsibility for the Crown Court advocacy team.  My principal focus is on the advocates' approach to early case engagement and ensuring development opportunities through effective trials. I also manage and support a team of senior crown prosecutors, providing clear guidance on a full range of serious casework, as well as addressing any HR issues that arise.  

I have other specific areas of responsibility, and regularly meet with senior police officers and the judiciary.

Taken together this means that most days are very different but extremely rewarding. I am in daily contact with a hugely supportive management team, and through hybrid working I enjoy the flexibility of working from home and the office.

My biggest learning

The CPS induction and specialist training courses are excellent. Even if I don’t have an answer at my fingertips, which is often the case, help is just around the corner.

My biggest learning has been to embrace new opportunities to increase my knowledge and help my development. I was looking for a new challenge and took the leap from private practice to the CPS. The support I've received has been excellent. I can see my career path and, better still, I know I'm supported in achieving my potential.