CPS Board meeting minutes - April 2025

Members

Monica Burch (C), Stephen Parkinson, Steve Buckingham, Subo Shanmuganathan

Guests

Rachel Zaltzman, Baljit Ubhey, Graham Ritchie

Secretariat

 Max Looker, Stephanie Bradshaw

Apologies

Julie Lennard, Peter Kane

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.

Item 3: Update from the DPP

3.1    The DPP noted Sentencing Council concerns, a pilot in Merseyside on proportionate file build, empowering Paralegal Officers to manage cases, and reflected on his Area Visits. The DPP and Steve attended the Case Strategy Conference.

3.2     The Board were pleased about the Merseyside pilot and its early results.  It was also noted that the upskilling of POs is expected to have a cumulative positive effect. The Chair supported the approach to sticking to the timing that feels appropriate for the roll-out of pilots.  

Item 4: Spending Review Update

4.1     Baljit Ubhey and Rachel Zaltzman joined the meeting. The Board thanked the team for the detail provided at the call on 28 March and requested an update on the progress made and the expected next steps.

4.2     Steve confirmed all documents were submitted by the deadline, except for the Strategic Workforce Plan, which was submitted slightly later in the week.  Amendments were made, following the meeting with the Board, to reflect the view that the CPS would enable delivery of the Government’s missions and a focus on victims. Baljit confirmed that Ministers were meeting on the Safer Streets Mission. Steve also confirmed that discussions were continuing about the potential for the reduction of administrative costs. The Board remained keen to drive efficiencies. Steve confirmed that the Board will be kept updated.

4.3    The Chair thanked colleagues for the work to get the CPS bid to this point.

Item 5: Business Plan 2025/26

5.1     Rachel confirmed that reference to 2030 had been removed, and that detail had been provided in the delivery table, ensuring greater clarity on deliverables and more realistic target dates, all of which had been approved by the respective SRO.

5.2     The plan included KPIs which cover both the programme and operational aspects, with clear and measurable targets.  All KPIs have been approved, although some were being considered later. The plan is due to be published following the Easter recess, followed by internal mobilization, and will contribute to the senior leaders' conference.

5.3     The Board commended the presentation and the improved level of accountability. Rachel confirmed that one of the challenges has been in benchmarking the KPIs.  However, despite the short turnaround time, these have been sufficiently tested to ensure they can be included in an external-facing plan.

5.4     The Chair confirmed that the Board was content for the recommendation to be made to the Director to sign off the Business Plan.

Item 6: VAWG Strategy

6.1     Baljit noted the agreement to delay the VAWG strategy. Baljit confirmed the order of publication. It was noted there will be Parliamentary engagement between the DPP & SG.    

6.2     The Board queried the delay and Baljit confirmed the timing aligns with the publication of the 2030 Strategy. The Board asked for clarification on the plans of the relationship with the third sector, and Graham confirmed the External Consultation Group meet to discuss.  

6.3     The Chair highlighted areas to elevate the language for external audiences and to demonstrate the CPS as being victim focused. The Board was also keen to understand the lessons learnt and how these were being captured. The Board endorsed the strategy, recommending to the DPP that he sign off and proceed to publishing at the suggested timescales.  

Item 7. AOB

7.1    There were no AOB items raised.

Meeting closed.

Secretariat – Max Looker & Stephanie Bradshaw

April 2025