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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
Please note this post will be Home based, within England and Wales only. If you new to the Civil Service, on role offered, we will request your home address post code to confirm whether National or London salary is applicable.
Please also note that candidates can be based in any location in England or Wales, but will be required to travel when necessary for team meetings, training etc. with appropriate notice, with costs being met in line with our Travel and Subsistence Policy.
CPS Direct Prosecutors need to be available to work a full range of out of hours shifts in accordance with our rota allocation, averaging 37 hours a week (full time). The CPS Direct rota operates c.5pm-11am on weekdays and covers 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays.
We are seeking Senior Crown Prosecutors to join our out of hours team, working from your own home covering a range of evenings, nights and weekends. Shift details are always shared at least one calendar month in advance.
We understand that working out of hours will be very different for the majority of people and therefore in CPS Direct we hold regular reviews to ensure you are given support required.
Please note that premium payments for working out of hours are applicable, on average for full time colleagues this represents a salary uplift of around 30% dependant on the shifts worked.
Q&A sessions in relation to the role are available on Wednesdays 13th ,20th and 27th September at 17.00 via Microsoft Teams. For an invitation please email: CPSDirect.Communications@cps.gov.uk
Please note, the following is considered essential experience for this role:
Post Legal qualification – Criminal Law experience.
Please note, the following is considered essential technical skills for this role:
Law Degree or Common Professional Examination.
Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course and Have completed the relevant pupillage.
Qualified Barrister or Solicitor.
Please note, the following is considered desirable technical skills for this role:
To be familiar in using Microsoft Office applications (exchange, excel, word and PowerPoint).
Digital and Change-Ready mind-set.
For further information on how to apply, please see the Candidate Pack at the bottom of this page.
Job description
The purpose of the CPS Direct Duty Prosecutor role is to provide the Police with pre-charge decisions and case management advice.
CPS Direct Duty Prosecutors advise in all levels of casework that require pre-charge advice in accordance with the Directors Guidance on Charging.
CPS Direct Prosecutors need to be available to work a full range of out of hours shifts in accordance with our rota allocation, averaging 37 hours a week (full time). The CPS Direct rota operates c.5pm-11am on weekdays and covers 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays. Colleagues are expected to work 3 in 4 weekends.
We are seeking Senior Crown Prosecutors to join our out of hours team, working from your own home covering a range of evenings, nights and weekends. This is supported by our Premium Payments.
The current rates are as follows:
|
Shift Times |
Premium Rate |
|
Weekday 19:00-23:00 |
20% |
|
Weekday 23:00-07:00 |
30% |
|
Sat 07:00-23:00 |
50% |
|
Sat 00:00-07:00 and 23:00-00:00 |
70% |
|
Sun 07:00-23:00 |
50% |
|
Sun 00:00-07:00 and 23:00-00:00 |
70% |
|
Bank Holiday 07:00-23:00 |
50% |
|
Bank Holiday 00:00-07:00 and 23:00-00:00 |
70% |
Following a thorough induction and buddying programme, CPS Direct Prosecutors work independently; use their own initiative and work effectively without close supervision. With this approach there will be an element of supervision until the individuals become proficient in Charging. We value self-motivated robust individuals who have the ability to work on their own. An ability to quickly form effective working relationships with police officers calling for advice is essential. Prosecutors will provide advice independently, with the support of their buddy initially and will operate through close working with CPS Direct colleagues, including Shift Managers, Senior Management and the Business Centre.
The role holder will provide comprehensive, accurate advice and a high-quality customer focused service. In particular, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of developments in criminal law and practice. Role holders should be committed to self-development and be responsible for updating their own knowledge and skills.
CPS Direct Duty Prosecutors are required to use IT to prepare and dispatch charging advice to police and CPS Areas promptly. An ability to use IT confidently is essential, and full training will be provided on all internal systems.
Subject to the post holder satisfying the general qualification provision within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Service Act 1990, the post is designated by the Director of Public Prosecutions as a Crown Prosecutor under the terms of section 1 (3) of the prosecution of Offences Act (1985).
Person specification
Following training: To provide immediate telephone charging advice or digital charging advice to Police Officers in accordance with the Directors Guidance and CPS Policy.
Identify at an early-stage cases outside the Directors Guidance and advise accordingly.
To be proactive in identifying and, where possible, rectifying evidential deficiencies so as to strengthen otherwise weak cases.
Bringing to an early conclusion those cases that cannot be strengthened by further investigation.
To make charging decisions in accordance with the Full Code Test other than in those circumstances where the Threshold Test applies.
Provide guidance to the Police as to file content, timescales, evidence, witness care, compensation, confiscation, policy (interpretation) and other matters that will assist with case building.
Give advice to the Police on witness support, in particular special measures, compliance with the Victims Code and other ancillary orders.
Record the information provided by the Police and detail the decision or advice given to provide a clear audit trail to evidence the reasoning for underlying decisions.
To provide Police and local CPS with high quality typed MG3s that are clear, concise and fit to serve as the formal CPS review of the evidence for the life of the case, in accordance with the Code.
To treat officers with respect at all times and recognise that CPS Direct will be a new and unfamiliar experience for many officers.
Work can be allocated by Operational Delivery staff from telephone calls, digitally from task lists for those forces who have moved to the new charging model and urgent cases from inspectors where PACE Clocks are nearing expiry.
Qualifications
Academic: Law degree, Common Professional Examination, Graduate Diploma in Law.
Professional: Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course and have completed the relevant pupillage and training contract (or have received full exemption from the relevant professional regulatory body, either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board).
OR
If you have qualified through Cilex could you please contact us in order to establish your eligibility for this role.
If you apply AND are found not to possess any of the above any offer of employment will be withdrawn, or contract terminated.
Please note the qualification as stated is required for this role and equivalent qualifications will not be accepted.
If you are unsure about your eligibility please contact Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk
Memberships
If CILEx qualified, must hold a general qualification within the meaning of s.71 (3) (c) Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Law Degree or Common Professional Examination.
- Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course and Have completed the relevant pupillage.
- Qualified Barrister or Solicitor.
Benefits
£13,243 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
CPS is passionate about ensuring that we are a top performing organisation and a great place to work. We are committed to be an equal opportunities employer and creating a culture where everyone can bring their whole self to work and individuality is truly appreciated.
We want to ensure all our employees can thrive at work and home and offer a range of support to achieve a balance. This includes where possible, flexibility of working hours, flexibility to support caring responsibilities and a flexible approach to deployment, which means that where you work (i.e. a court, an office, or a remote setting such as your home) will be based on the kind of work you are undertaking.
This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks covering Disability, Faith and Belief, LGBTQI+, Race, Social Mobility alongside our Mental Health First Aiders Programme and Wellbeing Sessions.
CPS commits to offer its employees the following experience
Impactful, purposeful work making a difference to your local communities
The ability to learn and grow, with access to the right opportunities and resources
To care about your wellbeing
To feel valued, trusted and included
We also offer the following range of benefits:
Civil Service Pension
Access to employee savings
Cycle2Work scheme
25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service.
1 extra privilege day entitlement to mark the Kings Birthday.
Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
Flexible working and a family friendly approach to work.
Childcare vouchers unless already registered with the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme)
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Please note that the recruitment selection process will consist of the following:
CV (Upload)
A up to date CV which should include the following:
Career history with key responsibilities
Skills and relevant criminal law experience
Achievements
Qualifications
You will need to attach your CV as one anonymised document to provide the panel with an insight into your work history and experience.
Please note that it is the candidates responsibility to provide the specified application information in the requested format to ensure that they are considered for the post.
The next stage will involve an assessment and interview, which will take place on the same day. However, pre-reading material will be issued 1 week in advance of the interview date.
Please note, this campaign will involve sifting while it is live. The dates for this are as follows:
Applications submitted by Monday 18th September at 10:00am, would be considered for interview from w/c 2nd October 2023
Applications submitted by Monday 25th September at 10:00am, would be considered for interview from w/c 9th October 2023
Applications submitted by Sunday 8th October at 11:55pm, would be considered for interview from w/c16th October 2023
Please note, no offers will be made until all interviews have concluded, which is anticipated to be after the 28th of October 2023.
The successful applicant will be required to secure DBS clearance; to speed up this process; you should bring 3 forms of ID with you on the day of interview. Data gathered from unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed in accordance with our Data Retention Policy.
Personal data
In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your own Sensitive Personal Data such as: Racial or Ethnic origin, Political Opinions, Religious or Philosophical Beliefs, Trade Union Membership, Data Concerning Health or Sex Life and Sexual Orientation, Genetic and / or Biometric data in your CV and application documentation.
Other
This is a full-time post. However, requests for flexible, part-time working and job share will be considered, considering at all times the operational needs of the Department. The minimum number of hours available would be 25.5 hours due to the shift and technical nature of these roles.
Waiting List
Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 12 months and may be offered another post, should any further vacancies for a Senior Crown Prosecutor arise in the CPS Direct Area.
Excess Fares
Please note excess fares will not apply.
Fair Processing Notice (FPN)
From April 2018, the CPS will provide a Fair Processing Notice (FPN) to all new applicants after they have been successful at interview. These candidates will be informed that, as one aspect of pre-employment screening, their personal details name, National Insurance Number and date of birth – will be checked against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD) and that anyone included on the IFD will be refused employment unless they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
The Strategic Resourcing team in the CPS will, on behalf of the vacancy holder, inform applicants when they are refused employment because of their inclusion in the IFD.
Current Civil Servants
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further;
Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Civil Service Commissioners
From April 2018, the CPS will provide a Fair Processing Notice (FPN) to all new applicants after they have been successful at interview. These candidates will be informed that, as one aspect of pre-employment screening, their personal details name, National Insurance Number and date of birth – will be checked against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD) and that anyone included on the IFD will be refused employment unless they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
The Strategic Resourcing team in the CPS will, on behalf of the vacancy holder, inform applicants when they are refused employment because of their inclusion in the IFD.
Feedback will not be provided until the vacancy is complete
If you are dissatisfied with the recruitment process and wish to make a complaint, please contact Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk with your concerns.
If you remain dissatisfied and wish to make a further complaint, please click on the following link to the Civil Service Commissioners complaints page https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/civilservicerecruitmentcomplaints/
Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles can be found here
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/
Details of the Civil Service Nationality Rules are located at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements. For the most up-to-date information on the requirements of working in the UK, please go to the UK Visas and Immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Rebecca Harvey
- Email : Rebecca.Harvey1@cps.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk
