TVAL1358- Crown Prosecutor
CPS Thames and Chiltern
Candidate Information Pack
How to apply
The recruitment process will include an online application and a personal statement ,
followed by an interview and assessment.
***Please note the closing date for submitting completed on-line application forms is
midnight 18th August 2017 ***
When you apply, you will be asked to provide some specific information, which you will
type on screen. As all application forms are anonymised, we ask that you do not
include any personal details. You will be asked for information to support your
application, which in this case will include a personal statement.
Please read the information below carefully before you apply to ensure you understand
what is required.
 Personal Statement (using the text box provided online)
You will also be asked to complete a personal statement of no more than 1200 words setting
out how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience, match the requirements
as detailed in the job description. You will also need to address the core competencies for
this role, detailed in the person specification, which are;
1. Professional Competency and Qualification
2. Making Effective Decisions
3. Delivering at Pace
In addition you will need to demonstrate the CPS or Civil Service Values
Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to provide the specified application
information in the requested format to ensure that they are considered for the post. No prompt
will be given if applications are submitted without the requisite information and candidates
who do not submit the required documents will not be considered for the post.
In the event of any queries please contact [email protected] or call 0151 239
6124 in advance of the closing date.
Job Description
Job Title:
Crown Prosecutor
Department
/Division:
Area
Pay Range:
CP
Reports to:
Date
Completed:
Career
Family:
Manager
May 2014
Prosecution Process
Role Purpose
Initially the postholder will work on the more straightforward cases but should progress
quickly to deal with more serious casework. On completion of the Crown Prosecutor 5
Learning Stages the postholder will be able to advise the investigation (except Statutory precharge advice), prepare for prosecutions on volume crime and undertake advocacy in
relation to a range of preliminary, straightforward and contested casework including some
either way cases and bail applications.
Subject to the postholder satisfying the “general qualification” provision within the meaning
of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services 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 1985rown Prosecutor under the terms of section 1 (3) of the
prosecution of Offences Act (1985).
Area of
Accountability
Casework
Preparation
Advocacy, and
Making Effective
Decisions
Accountabilities
Postholder will advise the investigation (except Statutory pre-charge
advice) in a range of preliminary, straightforward and contested
casework including some either way cases. The postholder will
prepare for prosecutions on volume crime in a range of preliminary,
straightforward and contested casework including some either way
cases.
The postholder will decide based on the evidence whether
prosecutions should proceed or whether to recommend that they be
discontinued. The postholder will decide which witnesses should be
used, and what evidence adduced, in summary cases.
To decide which statements to serve under section 9 Criminal Justice
Act 1967. The postholder will need to decide what charges are
appropriate; and what representations to make in respect of venue in
cases triable either-way. They will provide agreement to acceptable
pleas/bind overs on appropriate cases with Associate Prosecutors.
To make judgements on the most effective manner in which to
prosecute cases, to be able to judge appropriately how to deal with
vulnerable witnesses in accordance with CPS policies and
acknowledged best practice, and how to respond effectively and
assertively to defence representations.
To make decisions relating to applications for bail and whether to
oppose them; whether to accept a bind over; whether to accept a plea
to a lesser or different charge; when to change a previously prepared
course of action; when to discontinue proceedings and whether to
apply for compensation or costs.
Leading and
Communication
The postholder will require the ability to explain decisions to
magistrates, counsel including defence, witnesses, the police and
other appropriate agencies in a manner that is appropriate for the
recipient.
Preparation of Direct Communication with Victims (DCV) letters under
supervision of a Senior Crown Prosecutor or above.
Casework decisions include advising the police, under supervision of
a Senior Crown Prosecutor, whether to institute criminal proceedings
in less serious cases and which charges are appropriate when
reviewing cases.
Collaborating and
Partnering
The postholder will work effectively as part of a multi-skilled team and
provide support to Associate Prosecutors in case preparation and
generally. The postholder will need to consider the needs of others,
particularly victims and witnesses in drawing up casework plans.
Digital Working
Postholders will work to achieve efficiency through digital working and seek ways to improve
working practices and systems as an individual and the work of the team.
Supervisory Responsibility
The postholder will support the development and training of Associate Prosecutors or other
Crown Prosecutors, as appropriate, taking into account the legal training priorities and their
expertise in specialist fields.
Financial Responsibility
No direct financial responsibility, however the postholder will need to be aware of the cost of
a case, including expert witnesses.
Decision Making Authority
As appropriate to the grade
Key Contacts
Internal:
District Crown Prosecutor
Senior Crown Prosecutors
Associate Prosecutors
Administrative staff
Caseworkers
Paralegal Officers
Paralegal Assistants
Crown Advocates
Senior Crown Advocates
Area Operations Centre
External:
Probation Service
Defence Counsel
Court staff
Police
Witnesses/Victims
Witness Service (inc. voluntary agencies)
Barristers and their clerks
Health and Safety Executive
Person Specification (Crown Prosecutor)
The CPS Values
Alongside the competencies listed, candidates will be expected to display CPS values which will be tested at
various stages of the process:
We will be independent and fair

We will prosecute independently, without bias and will seek to deliver justice in every case.
We will be honest and open

We will explain our decisions, set clear standards about the service the public can expect from
us and be honest if we make a mistake.
We will treat everyone with respect

We will treat everyone with respect.
We will behave professionally and strive for excellence

We will behave professionally and strive for excellence.
Professional Competency and Qualification


Understands and promotes the organisation’s strategic aims.
Understands the role of the CPS within the CJS and is aware of
the impact of work and behaviour on the public image of the
CPS.
 Establishes credibility and earns respect by depth of knowledge
and influences others on the basis of specialist knowledge.
 Keeps up to date with professional knowledge and skills in order
to improve performance (and comply with CPD requirements of
the relevant professional body.)
 Contributes to the professional development of legal and nonlegal staff by sharing knowledge and expertise.
Academic:
Law Degree or Common Professional Examination
Professional:
Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course and Have completed
the relevant pupillage
Method of Assessment
Personal Statement
Skills
Changing and
Improving
Criteria



Making Effective
Decisions



Leading and
Communicating



Delivering at Pace



Collaborating and
Partnering



Method of Assessment
Be willing to meet the challenges of difficult or
complex changes encouraging and supporting
others to do the same
Regularly review procedures or systems with
teams to identify improvements and simplify
processes and decision making
Prepare for and respond appropriately to the
range of possible effects that change may have
on own role/team
Interview
Make decisions when they are needed, even
if they prove difficult or unpopular.
Recognise patterns and trends in a wide
range of evidence/data and draw key
conclusions outlining costs, benefits , risks
and potential responses.
Invite challenge and where appropriate
involve others in decision making to help build
engagement and present robust
recommendations
Personal Statement,
Interview and Assessment
Communicate in a straightforward, honest and
engaging manner with all stakeholders and
stand ground when needed
Promote the work of the Department and play
an active part in supporting the Civil Service
values and culture.
Communicate using appropriate styles,
methods and timing, including digital channels,
to maximise understanding and impact
Interview
Take responsibility for delivering expected
outcomes on time and to standard, yet allowing
the teams space and authority to deliver
objectives
Plan ahead but reassess workloads and
priorities if situations change or people are
facing conflicting demands
Regularly monitor own and team’s work against
milestones or targets and act promptly to keep
work on track and maintain performance
Personal Statement,
Interview and Assessment
Establish relationships with a range of
stakeholders to support delivery of business
outcomes.
Deal with conflict in a prompt, calm and
constructive manner.
Encourage collaborative team working within
own team and across the department.
Interview
Diversity & Equality
The Crown Prosecution Service has an Equality and Diversity policy which aims to create and
sustain a working environment that is fair to all. Our benefits support this and assist you to
achieve a work/life balance.
Applications are welcomed from all people across all sectors of our diverse communities and
from all backgrounds. Applications are particularly welcomed from those who are currently underrepresented at different levels within the CPS.
The CPS aims to select the best people for its jobs by going beyond compliance with
equalities legislation to establishing best practice.
The Civil Service Commissioners & The Civil Service Code
The Commissioners have two key functions:
The first is to maintain the principle of selection for appointment to the Civil Service on merit on
the basis of fair and open competition. For the most senior posts in the Civil Service, the
Commissioners discharge their responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and
chairing the final selection panel. For more information please see
www.civilservicecommissioners.org
The second is to promote an understanding of the Civil Service Code which sets out the
constitutional framework in which all civil servants work and the values they are expected to
uphold, and to hear and determine appeals made under it. For more information please see
www.civilservice.gov.uk
The CPS adheres fully to the Civil Service Code; and the requirements and best practice
suggested by the Civil Service Commissioners.