News from the FDA

13 December 2001: (Embargoed until Thursday 13 December)

Crown Prosecution Inspectorate report on CPS London

The FDA, theunion representing Crown Prosecutors, has called on the Director of PublicProsecutions (DPP) to urgently address the serious issues raised by the CPSIreport on CPS London. The report is one of the worst to be published by theInspectorate and a strong indictment of the lack of leadership and managementin CPS London. It reflects the concerns raised by the FDA to both CPS London andthe DPP over the past 18 months.

FDA convenorfor the CPS Kris Venkatasami said:

"We arenot surprised by the report's findings. After all we were the first to draw ourvery substantial concerns to CPS London and CPS HQ, who seemed unaware that alarge number of its lawyers in London had left. We had to take up our concernswith the Chief Executive before any action was taken."

The CPSIreport highlights serious concerns over the handling of budgets; a failure todeal with the high attrition rate among staff, in particular lawyers but alsoadmin staff; and a lack of leadership, lack of visibility and poorcommunication.

TheInspectorate report says that: "For much of the year, the Area wasprojecting a major overspend, and tight controls were held on recruitment. Thiswas in fact based on a serious miscalculation. Although CPS London was affectedby the general uncertainties surrounding CPS funding and the difficulties whichthey caused, weaknesses in its financial planning seriously exacerbated theproblems We are concerned that a budget in excess of 50 million was beingmanaged by staff, none of whom had any formal finance/accountingqualifications."

Venkatasamicalled such a miscalculation of the budgetary position in CPS London"beyond belief".

"Ourhard-pressed members have had unbearable pressure placed on them because of alack of leadership in London. This has led to a large number of lawyers leavingCPS London. It is clear that very poor management has damaged a number of ourmembers health.

"Earlierthis year the CPS was given substantial new resources to recruit new lawyers.Unfortunately the Inspectorate highlights very serious concerns over therecruitment campaign and the time it is taking to process applications. The CPSmust learn from this report and the FDA now calls on the Director of PublicProsecutions to urgently address the issues raised."

The FDAbelieves that the DPP:

Shouldconduct a formal investigation into how the Area "miscalculated" itsbudget.

Mustrecruit a substantial number of lawyers to improve staff morale and publicconfidence in CPS London.

Must takecharge of the recruitment of lawyers for CPS London.

Must reconsider the budget for London in the light of the report. London is clearly different from the rest of the country and this must be reflected in the budget allocated to London.

Venkatasamiconcluded:

"Ourmembers are highly professional and committed to public service but have beenstruggling to discharge their statutory duties against the background of apoorly managed Area in London. We must put in place a management structurewhich is more cohesive, transparent and capable of providing leadership to theArea. Without change staff morale will not improve; neither will the public'sconfidence in the CPS".

Ends

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Notes for Editors

1. The FDA isthe trade union and professional body representing the UKs 11,000 senior civiland public servants. Our members include Whitehall policy advisors, seniormanagers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, governmentlawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers

2. For furtherinformation contact:

KrisVenkatasami (CPS convenor) on 020-7343-1111 or 07968 328040 (mobile)

Dave Penman(CPS national officer) 020 7343 1111 or 07967 503827 (mobile)

* Simon Moore (chief press officer) on020-7343-1111 or 07967 484441 (mobile)

FDA 2001