Senior Crown Prosecutor
Department: Proceeds of Crime

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 tackling the proceeds of crime. 

As a Senior Crown Prosecutor (SCP) within POC, you will provide justice to victims and you will have the freedom to use your judgement and have a very real impact on society. Your work will be both challenging and varied in nature which 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 provide specialist advice on proceeds of crime work throughout the proceedings, including before charge, and after conviction.  There will be some opportunities to present proceeds of crime cases in the magistrates’ and higher courts, as well as instructing counsel to do so.  You will be expected to have up to date knowledge of proceeds of crime law, and criminal law generally.

What does the role entail?

CPS Proceeds of Crime (POC) is at the forefront of the fight against Economic Crime, ensuring that criminal assets are restrained, confiscated and enforced so that criminals do not benefit from their ill-gotten gains. We are also working with law enforcement colleagues to use new civil recovery powers to target unexplained wealth.

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 on the 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).

What are my key responsibilities?

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

If you are committed to public service and are looking for a role at the very forefront of delivering justice, find out more and apply now.