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The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service
The Crown Prosecution Service is passionate about being a top-performing organisation and a great place to work. Find out more about the work they do and the opportunities available

Our organisation

At the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) we’re responsible for delivering justice through the independent and effective prosecution of crime. As the principal prosecuting authority across England and Wales the nature and diversity of cases we advise on and prosecute means our work is often challenging and complex.

Our service employs over 6,000 individuals who think objectively, act professionally, show the upmost respect for others and continually strive for excellence. We offer you the opportunity to have a very real impact on society, the freedom to use your judgement and the chance to experience both challenging and varied work. All in a supportive environment that is invested in seeing you make the most of your life inside work and out.

Benefits

The nature and diversity of cases we advise on and prosecute means our work is complex and challenging. We want to ensure our employees can thrive at work and home and offer a range of support to achieve a balance. This includes flexibility of working hours, flexibility to support caring responsibilities and a family friendly approach to work.  

We also offer a range of benefits including: 

  • flexible working and hybrid working 
  • competitive Civil Service pension scheme 
  • childcare vouchers 
  • generous annual leave (25 days’ leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays 
  • 1 extra privilege day for the King’s birthday 
  • 3 days’ paid leave for volunteering 
  • wellbeing offer and counselling 
  • occupational health support
  • cycle2work scheme 
  • access to employee savings including high street retailer offers and discounts  
  • individual learning budget of £350 per year (in addition to CPS training).

Prosecutor opportunities

Are you a talented lawyer looking to take the next step in your career? Consider the CPS if you are a qualified barrister or solicitor and are committed to public service. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, join today and help deliver justice ensuring the right person is prosecuted for the right offence.

The CPS is committed to the professional growth of people across the organisation. Our prosecutors benefit from a structured lawyer induction training plan, access to an Individual Learning Account enabling you to attend training courses, and the opportunity to shadow colleagues to gain different perspectives. You will be fully supported in your progression with access to promotion opportunities including legal manager and crown advocate roles.

Crown prosecutor role

Our crown prosecutors are highly trained and confident lawyers with excellent people skills and a passion for delivering justice. You will represent the CPS on the frontline, collaborating closely with colleagues from across the Criminal Justice System (CJS) including the police and judiciary, and play a vital role in maintaining public confidence in our work. 

This role is largely court-based, attending court for the majority of your working week, where you’ll be responsible for preparing and presenting cases in the magistrates’ court. Our crown prosecutor roles are ideal for newly qualified lawyers or those with limited criminal law experience, offering a wealth of exposure and experience in the Criminal Court, furthering your CJS knowledge and potential personal progression.

Senior crown prosecutor role

Our senior crown prosecutors enjoy working on challenging cases, dealing with some of the most serious and sensitive types of crime. You will be involved with high volumes of varied casework providing you with more opportunities to grow in a modern, dynamic organisation. This role is aimed at experienced lawyers who ideally have previous criminal law experience. You will be at the forefront of delivering justice for some of the most serious and sensitive cases, from fraud and firearms to public order and corporate manslaughter. This role is largely office-based and you’ll be responsible for reviewing evidence, making decisions on whether a case should be prosecuted, and preparing cases for the magistrates’ court and Crown Court.

Articles

‘Go Prosecute’ pilot scheme: an interview with David Malone

David Malone, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, tells Anthony Inglese CB about Go Prosecute, the pilot scheme offering 10 recently qualified self-employed barristers the opportunity to develop prosecution experience at the CPS for up to two years before resuming practice in chambers

05 November 2024

Senior Crown Prosecutor

What’s it like being a Senior Crown Prosecutor? Stuart Page describes what drew him to the role, the skills required, and a typical day in the life

24 January 2024

CPS in Top 10 Employers for Working Families

Congratulations to the Crown Prosecution Service – a Top 10 Employer for Working Families 2023

10 November 2023

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