Work Experience FAQ’s

1. What are is the Crown Prosecution Service offering?

a. We will a one week work experience placement for up to 12 students from the
University of Manchester (School of Law) to raise awareness of how the Crown
Prosecution Service prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the
police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales.
 
This opportunity will raise awareness of how the CPS:
 Decides which cases should be prosecuted
 Determines the appropriate charges in more serious or complex cases
 Prepares cases and presents them at court and
 Provides information, assistance and support to victims and prosecution
witnesses

2. What will I do on placement?

 To gain an understanding of the different roles and teams within the CPS and their
contribution to the Criminal Justice System
 Become familiar with the operation of Magistrate and Crown Court and differences
between them.
 Become familiar with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, charging decisions and the trial
review process.
 To gain an understanding of how the CPS prosecutes hate crime
 To deepen understanding of the Bail Act and how the CPS handles Guilty Anticipated
Pleas and the Allocation of Venue.
 To participate in role play opportunities to practice advocacy skills
 Observe a community scrutiny panel to understand how the CPS builds public
confidence with the communities it serves
 Become familiar with the support available to victims and witnesses of crime especially
in relation to domestic abuse and sexual violence including Independent Domestic
Violence / Sexual Violence Advocates
 Receive training on the prosecution of Domestic Violence and rape

3. How do I apply?
a. Recruitment to placements will be through a competitive selection process due to
the limited availability of placements in the Area.
b. The application process -
i. Complete an application form which includes a personal statement where
you should address the behaviours in the success profile (communicating
and influencing, working together and motivation) in a maximum of 500
words, upload your CV and complete the equality monitoring form.
ii. The selection process will use the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework –
please refer to this when preparing your application
iii. Completed applications should be emailed to workexp2019@cps.gov.uk

4. What are the timelines:

 a. Applications open: 31st March 2021
b. Applications close: 16th April 2021
c. Sifting applications: 28th April 2021
d. Candidates invited for interview : Before 5th May 2021
e. Interviews 13th May 2021
f. Successful candidates notified: 15th May 2021
g. Week experience placements: 21st June 2021

5. What happens if I am offered a placement?

a. Placements will be offered subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and signing the
Secrets Act. This is due to the sensitive and confidential nature of and conversations
which you will be exposed to.