Crown Prosecution Service Apprenticeships 2021-02-04
2021-02-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the distribution of apprenticeships across different regions, particularly outside London.
What assessment she has made of the adequacy of apprenticeship opportunities with the Crown Prosecution Service. I am grateful for that answer. It is encouraging to hear that the Crown Prosecution Service is offering lots of apprenticeships. However, it is really important that those opportunities are based not just in London but across the whole country, so I ask the Minister: what apprenticeships are being offered in places such as the High Peak?
The CPS offers apprenticeships across legal, human resources, finance, project management, leadership and management professions. Apprenticeships are available across England and Wales including CPS East Midlands where High Peak is located with 30 apprentices since 2016 and currently two undertaking solicitor apprenticeship leading to Crown prosecutor role.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about a backlog of cases, poor CPS letter standards, and staff cuts affecting the criminal justice system.
There is a backlog of 55,000 cases in our Crown courts, victims are waiting years for their cases to be heard, and CPS letters fail to be of standard nearly 50% of the time. While we welcome apprenticeships in the CPS, staff levels were cut by 31% between 2011 and 2019, so why have the Government Law Officers failed to get to grips with the fundamental crisis facing the CPS and our criminal justice system?
The characterisation that the Crown Prosecution Service is failing is not accepted. The CPS performs well and the inspectorate confirms this performance. Apprenticeships are important for supporting young people and those from other socioeconomic backgrounds, with 3.8% of the workforce being apprentices compared to a national target of 2.3%. This shows the CPS's commitment to diversity.
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Assessment & feedback
specific crisis in criminal justice system not addressed
Does Not Accept Negative Characterisation
Supports Apprenticeships
Response accuracy