Legal Prosecution Manager – CPS London

Office Locations – London and Leicester

April 2016

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 Contents

Legal Prosecution Manager……………......……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………3

Important Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4

Job Description……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….5

Legal Professional Skills for CPS Legal Prosecution Manager.………………….……………………………………………….……………………10

Person Specification…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………...........….13

How to apply…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Application Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

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Legal Prosecution Manager
£52,140 (National) £58,679 (London)

CPS London is the largest 13 Areas which make up the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The Area deals with 20% of all CPS
prosecutions, amounting to 90,000 cases in the Magistrates’ courts and 19,000 cases in the Crown Court every year. The Area
employs 225 prosecutors at Crown Prosecutor (CP) and Senior Crown Prosecutor (SCP) grade. They cover the review work and
advocacy in the 21 London Magistrates’ courts and the review work for the 11 Crown Court centres.

Our casework covers some of the most serious, sensitive and complex work in the country, and our prosecutors are regularly in the
news fronting our successful prosecutions. CPS London prosecutes cases investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service and City
of London Police and our close working relationship with the police translates into around eight out of ten prosecutions ending in
conviction.

We are seeking those who want to manage teams of lawyers and enter the CPS as a Legal Manager. You will undertake the management of
advocates covering a cluster of magistrates’ courts, work with prosecutors reviewing and progressing cases in the magistrates’ courts or in the
Crown Court on our Trial Preparation Teams.

You must be a fully qualified Barrister or Solicitor, compliant with professional regulators’ CPD requirements and competence
standards. Share our commitment to delivering justice for the public we serve and in return you’ll receive an excellent benefits
package including competitive annual leave and pension and training and development and the opportunity to progress.

If you are ambitious, hard-working, want to work with like-minded individuals and learn from highly experienced prosecutors in an
organisation that is dedicated to delivering justice, you can find out more at www.cps.gov.uk/careers.

Baljit Ubhey OBE, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, said: “Our prosecutors are passionate about delivering justice for victims of
crime and are at the very forefront of criminal prosecution work. CPS London has a supportive, exciting and fast paced work
environment and our dedicated staff are often behind the most country’s highest profile convictions. This is an organisation where
you are acutely aware of the important difference you make. As Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, working for the CPS is not just
a job, it is a calling, and I am looking for like-minded individuals to join our team.”

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Important Information

Salary - £52,140 (National) £58,679 (London)

Hours: (41 - 42 London or National) with lunch breaks

The number of Posts is yet to be determined however, further information will be made available throughout the recruitment process.

The posts advertised are for CPS London. There are posts available at two office locations. These locations are London and Leicester. When
submitting your application you will need to state your area preference. You will only be considered for one office location.

Please note - This campaign will be advertised for three months. The closing date for this campaign is Friday 1st July 2016. Although the
campaign will be advertised for three months, all applications will be reviewed and considered on a monthly basis. Interview dates are to be
confirmed but will take place in May, June and July. The date you submit your application will dictate which month you will be considered.

Terms and Conditions

Requests 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 not be considered in accordance with the Travel and
Subsistence Code.

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 during this period.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please email Calum.Kinghorn@cps.gsi.gov.uk or call 0151 213 5022

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 Job Description

Job Title: Reports To: Legal and Stakeholder Manager

Legal Prosecution Manager

Department /Division: CPS London Date Completed: April 2012

Legal Manager 1
Pay Range: Career Family: Prosecution Process Management

Role Purpose
To lead a team responsible for conducting criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in line with The Code for Crown
Prosecutors and deliver improvements in casework quality and outcomes as detailed in the Area Business Plan through focus on
individual staff member’s performance and development.

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).

Area of Accountability Accountabilities

Business Impact
Legal Prosecution Manager
• Leads a team in all areas of performance and improvement, ensuring that team
objectives and expectations are clearly established, milestones met and expectations
delivered.
• Is fully accountable for the success of the team in terms of its performance, ensuring
that clear expectations are set. Review performance daily/weekly/monthly and where
appropriate take remedial action to ensure improvements are delivered to meet Area
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Leadership and Teamwork
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and Criminal Justice System (CJS) expectations.
• Works in partnership with the Police to resolve case specific issues.
• Manages and is accountable for the provision of quality and timely advice and
guidance to police and in particular ensures the effective delivery of pre-charge advice
and early intervention in large and complex cases.
• Collects feedback and makes recommendations to facilitate effective engagement
activity of the Legal and Stakeholder Manager with regards to performance of other
agencies.
• Advises on, directs and prosecutes a wide range of criminal casework.
• Is accountable for the casework decisions (in accordance with the Code for Crown
Prosecutors and the Prosecution Manual) ensuring that decisions are transparent,
accountable and correctly recorded for all cases reviewed/prosecuted by the team.
• Reviews the performance of individual prosecutors and whole team and implements
and maintains an effective system of quality assurance.
• Implements and maintains high quality systems for the analysis of casework outcomes
and ensures that the analysis is fully utilised to raise performance of the individual
prosecutors, the team and CJS agencies.
• Improves quality of casework decisions by reviewing at least 50% of cases reviewed
and prepared by prosecutors to assess quality, identifying good practice, areas for
improvement and ensuring that timely appropriate feedback is provided including
taking appropriate remedial action.
• Appears as an advocate in the Magistrates’ Courts and if a Crown Advocate, in the
Crown Court.
• Ensures standards for CPS prosecutors, agents/counsel are monitored and, where
appropriate, take necessary action to raise performance.
• Is accountable for the choice and performance of agents/counsel.
• Contributes to the delivery of the Area business plan and the national and local CPS
performance expectations/targets.
• Leads the team through periods of change setting a clear vision of what the Area is
trying to achieve and involves staff fully in delivery and change implementation.
• Is a role model, embracing the vision and values of the CPS and Area, establishing a
culture that meets the needs and aspirations of the Service; promoting integrity,
 fairness, diversity, trust and a strong performance culture; and challenges
inappropriate behaviour both downwards and upwards.
• Takes a leading role in ensuring staff engagement is embedded and improves across
the Area.
• Leads by example and ensures the team is adhering to the CPS standards and
strategies, including Core Quality Standards (CQS), the People Strategy and Dignity at
Work policy.
• Proactively manages staff ensuring that standards of performance, conduct,
attendance are achieved and maintained.
• Is fully accountable for the effective management of staff in line with Service’s HR
procedures and policies.
• Provides staff in the team with clear accountabilities and decision making guidelines.
• Sets, monitors and appraises the performance of direct reports in line with agreed role
profiles and annual objectives/performance indicators. Ensures direct reports complete
their PDRs. Conducts mid-year and end-year PDR reviews.
• Identifies individual performance issues (positive and negative) and agrees
development plan for direct reports and ensures development activity is being
completed, resulting in individual throughput and quality improvement. Communicates
to the line manager issues identified and action taken.
• Ensures regular team meetings take place and all staff are taking part in those
meetings.
• Ensures appropriate communication with staff takes place, including assisting staff with
identifying and solving daily problems, maintaining a high level of staff engagement.
• Provides legal and casework guidance and support to lawyers and caseworkers.
• Is an active member of the Unit Management Team contributing to the formulation and
delivery of the Area Business Plan, ensuring that team issues are represented.

Planning and Problem Solving • Implements and follows the Area Business Plan to support these objectives within
available resources.
• Assists the Legal and Stakeholder Manager in assessing risks to delivery of business
in the team and in developing appropriate countermeasures to minimise these risks.

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Communication and Customer Focus • Works with the Area Communications Manager and Chief Crown Prosecutor (CCP) /
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor (DCCP) to identify appropriate cases that require
media attention.
• Holds daily face-to-face feedback sessions with staff to improve quality through
continual development and support.
• Ensures decisions and case information are communicated to victims of crime,
witnesses and community in line with National Policy.
• Ensures that the team is aware of community issues when making their decisions and
the consequences those decisions can have on the community.

Managing Change • Is aware of current national and local initiatives and ensures effective mechanisms are
in place within the team to deliver those results.
• Leads staff through and implements change by being a positive champion of change.

Supervisory Responsibility
Prosecutors and Associate Prosecutors as appropriate

Financial Responsibility
Authorises and manages financial expenditure in accordance with financial delegation assigned by the CCP/DCCP/Legal and
Stakeholder Manager.

Decision Making Authority

Team caseload of Magistrates’ Court cases and/or Crown Court cases.
All Magistrates’ Courts and/or Crown Court sessions covered by the team.
Deployment of team resources in terms of individual cases in accordance with Area priorities and Area and local targets.
Ensures that cases are allocated to chambers in line with national guidelines.
Recommends to the CCP/DCCP/Legal and Stakeholder Manager appropriate chambers and agents to be used by the team.

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Key Contacts
Internal: External:
Chief Crown Prosecutor Criminal Justice Agencies
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutors Magistrates and Crown Courts
Area Business Managers
Legal and Stakeholder Managers
Legal Prosecution Managers
Area Communications Manager
Prosecutors
Associate Prosecutors
Executive Office
London Operations Centre
Complex Casework units
Local DTUS
National Business Centres
HQ Directorates

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 Legal Professional Skills for CPS Legal Prosecution Manager

You will be a barrister or solicitor, fully qualified to practise in England & Wales, likely to have more than two years post-qualification
experience whilst complying with professional CPD requirements and current competence statements of the appropriate professional
regulators. You will be expected to display the CPS values.
Indicator Can Example Evidence

Has an in depth knowledge and
understanding of the key concepts and
principles of the criminal law.
Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of criminal law
and the Criminal Procedure Rules and practice, with
a sound understanding of both police and court
practice and procedure.
Producing high standard review, advocacy
and decisions, in relation to all levels of
casework taking into account all
appropriate criminal law, legislation and
guidance in line with the Code for Crown
Prosecutors and best criminal practice.

Has reliable legal judgement and
case analysis skills which centre
on the issues, are based on secure
legal research and depend upon
critical thinking and account for
realistic risks at any trial.
Identify strengths and weaknesses in evidence,
choose a realistic case theory, advising on outcomes,
choosing unequivocally appropriate charges,
explaining options, and with clarity and succinctly
explaining advice appropriately whether to police or
public.
Consistently provides timely, clear, succinct but
thoroughly researched legal judgments and advice
which command credibility and respect and are fit for
purpose.

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 Has fluent oral and written advocacy Put the prosecution case clearly, concisely and Deliver accurate, timely and fit for purpose
skills. persuasively; speak up for the interests of victims and advocacy, casework, preparation, and review.
witnesses; assist the court; probe and challenge the
defence case, and achieve timely and just outcomes. Adapting advocacy, analysis, instructions and
advice as appropriate for different audiences.
Ensure the case is progressed, making appropriate
decisions as required and explaining those decisions as Producing effective and clear legal drafts.
necessary.

Acts with the utmost integrity and Ensure honesty, the highest professional ethical Being trusted judicially and by peers as competent,
independence at all times, in the interests standards and fairness characterizes all their honest and professional able to explain decisions to
of justice. dealings with others. magistrates, and engage the police and defence
adjusting language appropriately for the audience.

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 Understands the wider CPS and its role whilst
planning, managing and progressing
prosecution cases with appropriate
consideration for victims, witnesses and the
CJS.
You will act in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of civil servants, the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the
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Explain the requirements of effective case
management in serious and less serious cases,
flexibly deploying the improving scope of technology
available and be an ambassador for improvement via
the role of Prosecutor across CJS.
Codes of the professional bodies
Engaging credibly, early and effectively with defence
practitioners and CJ partners with the aim of
encouraging the resolution of the issues within
serious or less serious cases within the spirit of CPR
guidance.
Develop and adopt new approaches to work that are
acceptable both to the CPS and the wider Criminal
Justice System (CJS). Appreciation of the legal and
practical context in which it is set.
Engaging with wider CPS
corporate activities.
 Person Specification

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 Method of Assessment

• Qualified solicitor or barrister Interview and Assessment

• Influences others on the basis of specialist knowledge.
• Keeps up to date with current issues and legislation.
• Have the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the CPS Human Resource policies and other
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 CPS specific procedures.
• Presentational skills to inform and persuade senior CPS managers, external individuals and
bodies.
• Ability to interpret statistics and performance management information.
• IT skills (ideally word/excel/powerpoint)

Legally Qualified
The post holder must be a qualified practising solicitor or barrister

Academic:
Law degree or Common Professional Examination

Professional:
Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocation Course and have completed the relevant pupillage and
training contract.

Skills Criteria Method of Assessment

Making Effective Decisions Assessment

• Draw together and present reasonable conclusions from a wide
range of incomplete and complex evidence and data – able to act
or decide even when details are not clear
• Identify the main issues in complex problems, clarify understanding
or stakeholder expectations, to seek best option
• Make difficult decisions by pragmatically weighing the complexities
involved against the need to act

Leading and Communicating • Be visible to staff and stakeholders and regularly undertake Interview
activities to engage and build trust with people involved in area of
work
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 Skills
Building Capability for All
Changing and Improving
Managing a Quality Service
Legal Prosecution Manager
Criteria Method of Assessment
• Clarify strategies and plans, giving clear sense of direction and
purpose of self and team
• Lead by example, role modelling ethics, integrity, impartiality and
the elimination of bias by building diverse teams and promoting a
working environment that supports the Civil Service values and
code
• Be open and inviting of the views of others and respond despite
pressure to ignore, revert or concede
Interview
• Ensure that individual and organisational learning and talent
development opportunities are fully exploited in order to enhance
organisational capability
• Prioritise and role model continuous self-learning and development,
including leadership, management and people skills
• identify capability requirements needed to deliver future team
objectives and manage team resources to meet these needs
• Spot the warning signs of things going wrong and provide a
decisive response to significant delivery challenges Interview
• Consider the cumulative impact on own business area of
implementing change (culture, structure, service and moral)
• Find ways to improve systems and structures to deliver more with
streamlined resources
• Make clear, pragmatic and manageable plans for service delivery Interview
using programme and project management disciplines
• Ensure service offer thoroughly considers customers’ to help improve
service quality and demonstrate s viable involvement
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 Skills Criteria Method of Assessment

• Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in service

delivery and build diversity and equality considerations into plans
• Create regular opportunities for staff and customers to help
improve service quality and demonstrate a visible involvement

Delivering at Pace • Clarify business priorities, roles and responsibilities and secure Interview
individual and team ownership
• Review, challenge and adjust performance levels to ensure quality
outcomes are delivered on time, rewarding success
• Adopt clear processes and standards for managing performance at
all levels

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How to apply

The recruitment process for the Legal Prosecution Manager will include an online application form, CV, interview and assessment. Interview and
assessment dates are to be confirmed.

Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete an online CPS Values self-assessment. The ratings from this assessment will inform the
interview process and aid the panel in their selection-based decision making.

When you apply online you will be asked to provide some specific information, such as your contact details, which you will type on-screen. You
will also be asked for information to support your application, which in this case will include a ‘CV section’ and answers to the specific
application questions detailed below.

Please read the information below carefully before you apply to ensure you understand what you should provide, as each vacancy can be
different.

To apply for these vacancies, please provide the following:

Application Questions – (see below for application document questions and word limit)

- Responses to the application questions detailed below (below). Which you should type in the boxes provided via the online system.

CV

- You will not be required to upload your CV. However, when submitting your application there is a ‘CV section’. You will be required to
provide information regarding your skills, employment history and qualification details.

Please note that it is the responsibility of candidates to provide the specified application information requested in order to be
considered for this post. No prompt will be given if applications are submitted without the necessary documents and or information,
and candidates who do not submit the required documents will not be considered for the post; therefore if you have any problem in
uploading documents, you must contact Calum.Kinghorn@cps.gsi.gov.uk before the closing date.

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Application Questions

1. Motivated by CPS work

Please give your reasons for seeking employment as a lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service?

You may wish to consider the following when writing your response

• What is it about the work of the CPS that motivates you?

• How do you foresee your role in contributing to current CPS key priorities?
• What are your future aspirations – do you have any specific career goals?

2. Practice & Specialisms

Please list your main practice areas (e.g. general crime, sexual offences, fraud, extradition, asset forfeiture and confiscation, regulatory work, terrorism,
serious crime, other areas of law such as family or civil etc.) – up to five areas – detailing the approximate percentage of time you spend on each.

Please also provide any evidence of specialisms in which you have experience of or have an interest in. These may include rape, extradition, fraud (including
fiscal fraud), organised crime, proceeds of crime, serious violence and murder, serious sexual offences, regulatory work, family work, immigration.

3. Advocacy

Please provide examples of your advocacy experience giving a brief synopsis of the case, including dates, highlighting any unusual or particularly
difficult/complex issues (no more than three).

4. Advisory

Please provide examples (no more than three) of your advisory experience, providing brief details (dated and suitably anonymised) of the question or problem
you had to advise on, what you advised and why.

5. Management

Please provide examples detailing your experience of managing others.

All information will be treated in confidence.

Please note, your response to the application questions is limited to no more than 250 words per question.

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