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Senior Crown Prosecutor - Proceeds Of Crime

Employer
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Location
Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham
Salary
£48,077 - £54,789 Salary (National - £48,077 - £54,789) (London - £50,519- £61,660 + £3150 RRA)
Closing date
9 Dec 2020
Reference
85717

View more

Practice area
Crime
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full time
PQE
3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years+
Position
Barrister, Solicitor
Sector
Public sector/Charities

Job Details

Can you deliver justice? CPS Proceeds of Crime (POC) are looking for Senior Crown Prosecutors to join their dynamic workforce.

CPS POC conduct all CPS restraint casework, complex confiscation proceedings, and enforcement of orders where they can add their expertise, as well as handling incoming international asset recovery requests. POC provides a key resource across law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System in recovering the proceeds of crime.

As a Senior Crown Prosecutor (SCP) within POC, you will help deliver justice for victims and you will have the chance to have a very real impact on society by using your judgement. Your work will be challenging and varied in nature and may involve tasks such as advising on and applying for restraint of assets and confiscation. We also enforce confiscation orders and conduct the work required to carry out requests made by other countries in compliance with our international obligations.

You will review case files and charging decisions, providing legal advice on cases to be presented in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.

We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, civil service pension scheme, access to employee savings including high street retailer offers and discounts and 25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service.

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, your interview may be conducted via Video/Telephone. Where possible interviews will be conducted face to face. However, until restrictions are lifted, we will be using video technology in order to allow interviews to take place. If your interview will be taking place via video, a member of our recruitment team will be in touch with further guidance. If you have any queries about this please contact the CPS Recruitment Team at Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk

Please note excess fares will not apply.

Job description

The postholder will be required to consider cases fairly in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The purpose of this role is to advise on and prepare specialist cases for CPS Proceeds of Crime (POC) prosecution. The postholder will be responsible for casework categorised as “low” to “medium” in the complexity matrix relevant to the work of the specialism.

The postholder will have a caseload of restraint and confiscation work (Pre-Enforcement Teams), or enforcement casework on the National Enforcement Unit.

Postholders will be responsible for their own caseload - advising investigators, reviewing case files, conducting proceedings and providing legal advice on cases to be presented in the Magistrates', Crown and High Courts.

The postholder will analyse, review, prepare and present a wide range of restraint, confiscation and enforcement cases, and will be expected to have up-to-date knowledge of asset recovery law. The postholder will have a high volume of casework in respect of advice and review, which will include some of the more challenging, serious and sensitive cases. There will be scope for some advocacy in the Magistrates’ court and in the Crown Court.

Subject to the postholder 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).

Please see below Essential Experience/abilities. :

Post Qualification experience.

Understands and promotes the organisation’s strategic aims.

Understands the role of the CPS within the CJS and is aware of the impact of work and behaviour on the public image of the CPS.

Establishes credibility and earns respect by depth of knowledge and influences others on the basis of specialist knowledge.

Keeps up to date with professional knowledge and skills in order to improve performance (and comply with CPD requirements of the relevant professional body.

Contributes to the professional development of legal and non-legal staff by sharing knowledge and expertise.

For further information on how to apply, please see the Candidate Pack at the bottom of this page.

Responsibilities

To conduct discussions with law enforcement authorities (LEAs) on the evidential requirements for restraint, confiscation and enforcement applications. Making the final decision on whether to make the application and the terms of that application. To review cases where applications will be made to the Magistrates, Crown and High courts, and to decide whether it is appropriate to make the application. CPS POC makes applications for restraint, receivership, confiscation and reconsideration of confiscation orders.

To demonstrate high levels of advocacy, media handling, written and oral communication skills in relation to all cases for which the postholder is accountable so as to maintain public confidence in the prosecution process.

To undertake advocacy in relation to Magistrates Court and Crown Court applications when appropriate.

To make decisions relating to applications for restraint, confiscation and enforcement and whether to accept any defence proposals offered; when to change a previously prepared course of action; when to withdraw or compromise applications and whether to apply for compensation or costs.

To deal effectively and persuasively with a wide range of people, both within and outside the CPS, as part of a multi-skilled team and on an individual basis in order to ensure effective and successful applications. To seek improvement by assessing and sharing lessons with others.

Qualifications

Qualifications
Legally Qualified: The post holder must be a qualified practising solicitor or barrister and must hold a valid Practising Certificate for England and Wales or be eligible to obtain one issued from either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board.

Academic: Law degree, Common Professional Examination, Graduate Diploma in Law.

Professional: Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course and have completed the relevant pupillage and training contract (or have received full exemption from the relevant professional regulatory body, either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board).

OR

If you have qualified through Cilex could you please contact us in order to establish your eligibility for this role.

If you apply and are found not to possess any of the above any offer of employment will be withdrawn, or contract terminated.

Please note the qualification as stated is required for this role and equivalent qualifications will not be accepted.

If you are unsure about your eligibility please contact Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk

Memberships

The successful applicant must have a valid practising certificate for England and Wales or be eligible to obtain a valid practising certificate issued from either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board.

If CILEx qualified, must hold a ‘general qualification’ within the meaning of s.71 (3) (c) Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • Legally Qualified: The post holder must be a Qualified barrister or solicitor, holding a valid practising certificate for England and Wales or be eligible to obtain one issued from either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board

Benefits

Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 12 months and may be offered another post, should any further vacancies for a Senior Crown Prosecutor arise in CPS Proceeds Of Crime during this period. CPS may also approach candidates on the waiting list to fill other Proceeds Of Crime roles requiring similar knowledge and experience.

This is a full time post. However, requests for flexible, part-time working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.

Things you need to know

Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. The recruitment process will consist of an online application, assessment and interview which will be held on the below dates:

Assessment - Monday 21 December 2020
Interviews - Tuesday 05 January 2021

Please note, if successful at sift stage, you will be invited to complete an assessment. If you are successful in this assessment, then you will be invited to an Interview.

You should keep these dates free or notify us if you are not available. We will make every effort to accommodate you in your preference for dates; however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.

The successful applicant will be required to secure DBS/SC clearance; to speed up this process; you should bring 3 forms of ID with you on the day of interview. Data gathered from unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed in accordance with our Data Retention Policy.

If successful in obtaining an interview you will be asked to complete the Character Enquiry Form, Nationality and Immigration Questionnaire and National Security Vetting Form.

(If you are an internal member of staff, you will not be required to undergo this DBS check as you will already hold this clearance)

***This campaign will involve shortlisted candidates completing 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***

Personal Statement (using the text box provided online)

You will be asked to complete a personal statement of no more than 1250 words setting out how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience, match the requirements as detailed in the Candidate Pack. You will also need to address the core behaviours for this role, detailed in the Behaviours Section of the Candidate Pack, which are;

1. Making Effective Decisions
2. Communicating and Influencing
3. Working Together
4. Delivering at Pace

In addition you will need to demonstrate the CPS or Civil Service Values.

CV Section (using the text boxes provided online)

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

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.

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further information as to the process and what is being tested at each stage.

Contracted Weekly Working Hours

Full time employees will be contracted to work 37 hours per week, excluding lunch breaks.

Overtime

If overtime is necessary, employees will be invited to volunteer. It is a condition of contract that you are available to work overtime for one weekend in every four, if there are insufficient volunteers, you will be required to work overtime if requested to do so by your line manager.

Other

Customer facing roles in the CPS require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement this will be tested as part of the selection process.

The CPS will provide a Fair Processing Notice (FPN) to all new applicants after they have been successful at interview. These candidates will be informed that, as one aspect of pre-employment screening, their personal details – name, National Insurance Number and date of birth - will be checked against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD) and that anyone included on the IFD will be refused employment unless they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.

The Strategic Resourcing team in the CPS will, on behalf of the vacancy holder, inform applicants when they are refused employment because of their inclusion in the IFD.

Feedback will not be provided until the vacancy is complete

If you are dissatisfied with the recruitment process and wish to make a complaint, please contact Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk with your concerns.

If you remain dissatisfied and wish to make a further complaint, please click on the following link to the Civil Service Commissioners complaints page https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/civilservicerecruitmentcomplaints/

Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles can be found here –
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/

Details of the Civil Service Nationality Rules are located at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Nationality requirements Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :
Name :   James Dillon
Email :   James.Dillon@cps.gov.uk  


Recruitment team :
Email :   strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk

Company

At the Crown Prosecution Service 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 almost 7,000 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.

Company info
Mini-site
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

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