Case Preparer

Job summary

Would you like the opportunity to take on an important role within Scotland’s sole prosecution service, providing support to our lawyers in making recommendations on criminal proceedings in cases? We are looking for people who are motivated by justice with an understanding of law in Scotland to join us in the role of Case Preparer.

You should be passionate about serving the public interest and supporting victims and witnesses of crime. Organisation and confidence in decisions making will be key; working autonomously and making recommendations based on assessment of all the available evidence; and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of victims and witnesses.

Case Preparers are typically office based, giving you the opportunity to shadow and learn from other members of the team, whilst developing your knowledge of the role and its responsibilities.

Whether you are currently undertaking legal studies or share an interest in how crime is prosecuted in Scotland, this is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of criminal prosecution.

Job description

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

• To prepare effective and presentable case packages to prosecutors in relation to serious and complex crimes within appropriate timescales
• To recommend to prosecutors, based on evidence, whether cases should proceed to prosecution or be discontinued
• Work sensitively and appropriately with Victims and Witnesses and bereaved relatives.

ROLE SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Direct, instruct and manage casework investigations with Police and other external agencies, advising where additional evidence is required.
• Assess and review available and actionable evidence to include in cases i.e. witness statements
• Recommend, based on evidence, what charges to make in respect of cases that you determine can proceed to prosecution (subject to agreement from prosecutors)
• Achieve efficiency through digital working, preparing cases in agreed styles and formats, using Microsoft 365 products and other internal digital systems
• Ensure high standards and data handling in relation to cases whilst following process and adhering to required timescales
• Work with colleagues across COPFS to support and ensure vulnerable witnesses are handled appropriately in line with COPFS policies and best practice
• Clearly explain decisions to stakeholders including Crown Counsel, Police Scotland and Victims and Witnesses relating to cases awaiting outcomes (i.e. proceeding to prosecution or discontinued)
• Provide appropriate support to prosecutors

Please note these are not exhaustive lists and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role.

Person specification

Person Specification

We are looking for applicants with a demonstratable interest in criminal prosecution in Scotland. You should possess a strong knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of work COPFS carry out. We want to hear your motivation to deliver public service and justice, including supporting victims and witnesses of crime, as well as a desire to make a difference and impact in the local community.

A strong focus on continuous learning and the ability to apply knowledge in criminal law gained from studies or experience would be beneficial. You will encounter witness and victims who have experienced traumatic situations and as such should be able to exhibit resilience in these scenarios, as well as empathy and compassion.

Essential Criteria

Please note the competencies referred to in this pack form part of the key essential criteria for the role. Within your assessment you will also be required to demonstrate:

• Reliable legal judgement and an appreciation of legal risk
• Sound analysis, ability to use evidence and research to produce timely and fit-for-purpose recommendations
• Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships both internally and externally, showcasing analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to take ownership and effective management of your workload, including autonomous decision-making and discipline in meeting deadlines
• Fluent oral and written communication skills, focusing on clarity and explanation of decision making or recommendations
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft 365 products such as MS Word, MS Outlook & MS Excel

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of the work of COPFS and the criminal law system in Scotland
• Background of investigative experience

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,443, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service contributes £11,136 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:

• 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
• Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 28.97% of your pay
• Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
• Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Apply online

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

If you are interested in applying please find further information on the application and selection process in the application pack.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.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 : Recruitment
• Email : Recruitment@copfs.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Recruitment@copfs.gov.uk

Attachments

Band D Case Preparer Application Pack Opens in new window (docx, 88kB)