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Working for the
Crown Prosecution
Service

What is the Crown Prosecution Service?

At the Crown Prosecution Service, we decide which cases should be prosecuted, determine the appropriate charges in more complex and serious cases, advise the police in early stages of investigations, and prepare and present cases at court. We provide information, assistance and support to victims of crime and prosecution witnesses.

Our service employs over 7,000 people across England and Wales – people who think objectively, act professionally, show respect for others and continually strive for excellence. You have the opportunity to make a real impact on society, the freedom to use your judgement and the chance to experience a variety of work.

No day is the same. It’s challenging but very rewarding, so if you are committed to public service and are looking for a role at the very forefront of the criminal justice system, the Crown Prosecution Service could be the place for you.

Find out more about us here.

What we do at the Crown Prosecution Service

What is it like to work here?

Why we work for the Crown Prosecution Service

We’re passionate about ensuring we’re a top-performing organisation and a great place to work. We’re committed to being an equal opportunities employer, creating a culture where everyone can bring their whole self to work – and individuality is truly appreciated.

Our culture is underpinned by staff networks covering faith and belief, disability, LGBT+, carers and social mobility. They enable insights, sharing experiences and inclusion – and are a great way of connecting our people across the organisation.

Hear from our people about what matters to us and the unique role we play in the criminal justice system.

Two Team Members From The Crown Prosecution Service

Our benefits

We want to ensure our employees can thrive at work and home. You have a range of support and benefits to help achieve this balance:

  • flexible working and a family friendly approach to work
  • a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
  • 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
  • 1 extra privilege day and 3 days’ paid leave for volunteering
  • wellbeing support and counselling, competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
  • Cycle2Work scheme, high street retailer offers and discounts.

Our learning and development

You have access to development and progression opportunities, helping to further your skills and career. Our learning offer includes:

  • individual learning budget of £350 a year for your personal development
  • access to job shadowing and mentoring schemes
  • comprehensive induction for all new starters
  • tailored legal induction programmes
  • entry routes into the legal profession if you have qualifications or not
  • management development for aspiring, new and experienced managers
  • apprenticeships to gain skills and experience in the workplace.
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Our independent prosecutors and advocates are central to the function of the criminal justice system, ensuring the right person is prosecuted for the right offence where possible. If you’re already qualified as a barrister, solicitor or criminal advocate you can join the Crown Prosecution Service as a crown prosecutor, senior crown prosecutor or crown advocate depending on your experience.

We also develop our people through our prosecutor pathway routes to qualify as a lawyer through our

  • legal trainee scheme
  • graduate pathway
  • solicitor apprenticeship.

We employ around 3,000 operational delivery professionals in the Crown Prosecution Service covering roles and functions on the frontline of our service.

  • casework assistants and casework admin managers
  • paralegal assistants, paralegal officers and paralegal business managers
  • court managers, court business advisors and managers
  • business managers, senior business managers and head of business centres
  • performance management, change management and compliance and assurance roles
  • executive and business support including personal assistants and private secretaries.

We also have a range of professions that form part of the Crown Prosecution Service business function. These cover roles in:

  • digital technology and information
  • security and assurance
  • finance and commercial
  • human resources
  • strategy and policy
  • communications
  • project delivery.

‘The decisions I make as a senior crown prosecutor are helping somebody and giving them the justice they deserve. Working for the Crown Prosecution Service I can say I’ve made a difference each day.’

Alex,

Senior Crown Prosecutor

‘I think the work of the Crown Prosecution Service is fantastic. It’s independent and provides a key role between the police and the courts to be legal and fair – ensuring the checks and measures are in place.’

Helen,

Casework Assistant

‘I was really keen to follow my passion in criminal law. As a legal trainee, I feel like the experiences you get are second to none. You receive amazing training and I’ve been able to follow cases from start to finish.’

Eurgain,

Legal Trainee