Senior Crown Prosecutor

Role Purpose
To provide an effective prosecution service, in conjunction with the Police, through case management and advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.

Job Description

Accountabilities

Legal advice

Providing telephone advice to Police on possible charging (pre and post arrest).

Reviewing files from the Police to apply the Code test (evidence, public interest) to determine recommended charging.

Attending conferences/meetings with the Police to apply code tests, determine evidence requirements.

Providing general advice to the Police - evidence, compensation, charging, policy (interpretation)..

Casework Review

Reviewing files to apply code test (evidence, public interest) to confirm charging.

Conducting discussions with Police on evidence requirements and charging

Making the final decision on charging (whether to charge, what charge).

Communicating with victims if charges are dropped or downgraded - either written or in person.

Preparing and serving advance disclosure packages to defendants.

Casework Preparation

Conducting detailed analysis of files.

Requesting further information/evidence from Police.

Discussing special measures with Police for witnesses and applying to the Court where appropriate.

Reviewing and disclosing unused materials.

Corresponding with defence lawyers/defendants.

Witness calling via Police.

Serving documents in preparation of the trial to defence lawyers/ defendants. .

Advocacy

Reviewing files to prepare for trials. Liaising with witnesses.

Presenting cases in Court.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Financial Authority

As appropriate for the grade.

Decision Making Authority

Applying code tests to determine the suitability of charging

Determining the actual charge for cases

Deciding on the acceptance of pleas

Key Contacts

Internal:

Prosecutors

Caseworkers

Team Leaders

External:

Police Courts

Witness service

Defence

Victims/witnesses

Probation


Person Specification

Method of Assessment is shown in (italics and brackets)

Skills

Diversity Awareness & Management

· Shares perceptions and values with others to build effective working relationships. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

Achieving Results

· Takes appropriate action when necessary to ensure targets are met and quality maintained (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Demonstrates an understanding of legal procedures and processes. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

Planning & Organising

· Balances conflicting priorities where necessary and is aware when prioritising, of the impact on others. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Anticipates future demands and prepares appropriately anticipates difficulty and develops contingency plans. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

Communication & Negotiation

· Represents CPS effectively to outside agencies and the public. Takes account of witness care. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, confidently and assertively. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Is able to set out arguments clearly and logically; persuades and influences others. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

Reasoning & Decision Making

· Able to make decisions independently when required. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Shows sound judgement, reaching balanced and unbiased view, supported by reasoned arguments. (SCP) (Application Form & Interview)

· Is able to think strategically and sees wider importance of the issue in hand. (SCP)(Application Form & Interview)

Qualifications (Application Form)

Academic:

Law Degree

or

Common Professional Examination

Professional:

Legal Practice Course

or

Bar Vocational Course

and

Have completed the relevant pupillage.

Knowledge & Experience

A qualified Barrister or Solicitor (SCP) (Application Form)

A good working knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminal law and procedure and its practical application is essential. (Interview)

Maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant legal matters is essential. (Interview / Written Test)

Sound appreciation of police and court officials' work and procedures (Interview)


Additional Vacancy Information
Starting Salary: £34,200 per annum full-timeHours: 42 hours per week including lunch breaksPlease click on the Additional Information link below to view the Job Description and Person Specification and full details of how to apply for this vacancy.How to ApplyTo apply for this vacancy, please provide the following: - Specific examples which demonstrate you meet the requirements of the post, as detailed on the person specification (above), which you will input on screen in the boxes provided. You will be provided with instructions on screen on how to structure your examples.- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), which you should upload when prompted.- Answers to specific application questions, which you will see on screen, and answer in the boxes provided. Closing Date for Applications: 23rd May 2008Recruitment Process: The recruitment process will consist of an online application form, case study and interview. The dates and locations are as follows: Interviews and case study: dates and locations to be confirmed. Please notify the recruitment centre of any unavailable dates. We will make every effort to accommodate you in your preference for dates; however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 6 months and may be offered another post should any further vacancies for Senior Crown Prosecutor arise in the Cumbria area during this period. Terms and ConditionsRequests for flexible, part-time working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.Funding is not available to finance a transfer at public expense. Excess fares will be considered in accordance with the Travel and Subsistence Code.ConcernsThe CPS' recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Code which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact John Ellam, Head of Recruitment, Crown Prosecution Service, 7th Floor (South), Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1HN in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners. Helen MartynHelen.Martyn@cps.gsi.gov.uk0151 239 6350

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