TVAL1355 – Paralegal Assistant
CPS Thames and Chiltern
Candidate Information Pack
How to apply
The recruitment process will include an online application followed by an interview and
assessment.
***Please note the closing date for submitting completed on-line application forms is
midnight 28th July 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. Making Effective Decisions
2. Leading and Communicating
3. Managing a Quality Service
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
6336 in advance of the closing date.
Job Description
Job Title:
Paralegal Assistant
Reports To:
Casework Admin Manager
Department
/Division:
Areas/Complex Casework
Units
Date
Completed:
August 2008
Pay Range:
A2
Career
Family:
Paralegal
Role Purpose
The postholder is part of the paralegal team, providing support to the overall prosecution
team; dealing with cases destined for both the magistrates’ court and Crown Court. The
postholder will also provide casework support and administrative assistance to the paralegal
team and help to contribute towards the achievement of the prosecution team’s targets and
objectives. To attend Court and to undertake all administrative, liaison, advocate support
and representational duties.
Area of
Accountability
Accountabilities
Casework
Preparation
Prepare briefs in committals for sentence and appeals against
sentence
Casework
Management
Action court endorsements and ongoing casework actions, where
appropriate
To record and monitor casework information utilising IT. Record and
monitor Custody Time Limits (CTLs) on files and Case Management
System (CMS). Record on CMS bail dates. Chase up any court
endorsements. General computer database input.
To provide administrative assistance to the team including filing,
retrieval of papers, post linking, production of court lists
To take action on correspondence and telephone enquiries,
redirecting where appropriate or taking forward applying appropriate
policy and guidance
To sort and interpret incoming files, correspondence and other
queries, taking the necessary action with urgent cases. Index file
jackets.
Ensure List of Witnesses to Attend Court (LWAC) is produced
Attendance at
Court
The postholder to be deployed at Court as required by the Paralegal
Business Manager on a case by case basis, taking into consideration
issues such as case complexity and sensitivity. The postholder to
undertake administrative, liaison and advocate support duties, under
the mentorship and supervision of Paralegal Officers, Managers,
Prosecutors and Crown Advocates.
Before attendance at the Court sitting, familiarise themselves with the
history of the case, the progress log and the issues that are likely to
arise
To ensure that all relevant case material is assembled at court ready
for the hearing.
To ensure the prosecuting advocate acts on instructions including
providing assistance to the prosecuting advocate and dealing with
requests for information.
To attend to witnesses, providing care, information and support in
accordance with the Victims Code and local service agreement,
where applicable.
To maintain relevant case notes and monitor case progress and
report to and seek guidance on cases from prosecutors.
To check with the Prosecuting Advocate that the sentence imposed is
broadly in line with his/her expectations and consistent with
sentencing guidelines and to report any potential Unduly Lenient
Sentences to the Paralegal Business Manager.
To maintain finance log and complete financial data (FIST)
Communications
The postholder will be expected to build and maintain effective
working relationships internally with Paralegal Officers, Prosecutors,
Senior Managers and HQ staff.
Foster, build and maintain relationships externally with Criminal
Justice System (CJS) partners, Police, Courts, Counsel, Defence,
Witnesses and the general public.
Deal with telephone enquiries and correspondence acknowledging
and redirecting as appropriate. Produce basic letters, following a
standard format.
Update diary for Court dates
Chase up evidence as directed under Prosecutor’s directions.
Supervisory Responsibility
Not Applicable
Financial Authority
Not Applicable
Decision Making Authority
Decisions on the prioritisation of own work, within set timescales.
Decisions on
effectiveness of and changes to own working practices, proposing changes to managers
Deciding on content of communications in accordance with agreed procedures
Key Contacts
Internal:
External:
District Crown Prosecutor
Prosecution Counsel
Assistant District Crown Prosecutor
Police
Crown Prosecutors
Defence counsel and solicitors
Associate Prosecutors
Magistrate/Crown Court staff
Paralegal Business Manager
Probation Officers
Paralegal Officers
Victim Support/Witness Service
Case Progression Manager
Expert Witnesses
Witness Care Unit
Local Authorities
Area Secretariat Staff
Other Government Departments
Home Office
Victims and Witnesses
General public
Person Specification (A2)
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.
Skills
Changing and
Improving
Criteria



Making Effective
Decisions


Method of Assessment
Learn new procedures, seek to exploit Interview
new technologies and help colleagues to
do the same
Co-operate with and be open to the
possibilities of change and consider
ways to implement and adapt to change
in own work role
Review working practices and come up
with ideas to improve the way things are
done.
Make and record effective decisions
following the appropriate decision
making criteria, framework or guidance
Speak up to clarify decisions and query
these constructively
Personal Statement,
Interview and
Assessment
Skills
Leading and
Communicating
Criteria


Delivering at Pace



Building capability for
all


Managing a Quality
Service


Method of Assessment
Put forward own views in a clear and
constructive manner, choosing an
appropriate communications method, e.g.
email/telephone/face to face
Write clearly in plain simple language and
check work for spelling and grammar,
learning from previous inaccuracies
Personal Statement and
Interview
Work in an organised manner using own
knowledge and expertise to deliver on
time and to standard
Take responsibility for the quality of own
work and keep manager informed of how
the work is progressing
Interview
Identify own skills, knowledge and
behaviour gaps to inform own
development plan and discuss these
with the line manager
Recognise and take time to achieve own
learning and develop objectives
Share learning with team and
colleagues; contribute to the team’s
shared learning and understanding.
Communicate in a way that meets and
anticipates the customers requirements
and gives a favourable impression of the
Civil Service
Take ownership of issues, focus on
providing the right solution and keep
customers and delivery partners up to
date with progress
Interview
Personal Statement and
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.