CPS re-opens trainee scheme following two-year freeze
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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has lifted the freeze on its Legal Trainee Scheme, inviting a new cohort to start in October 2012.
Keir Starmer
The CPS began accepting applications for positions on the scheme today (19 April), offering up to 15 places to aspiring lawyers who have completed their vocational training.
Director of public prosecution Keir Starmer QC said: “This scheme will offer trainees an unrivalled chance to undertake challenging, varied and important work, with a view to building a career prosecuting cases for the CPS at the highest levels.
“The scheme will also provide the CPS with access to the talent it needs to ensure the continued high quality of its legal work, and make sure we have the capacity and skills we need for the future.”
After the successful applicants complete their training at the CPS, they will take up positions as Crown Prosecutors, with the responsibility of reviewing and prosecuting criminal cases.
The CPS was forced to pull the plug on its recruitment programme back in October 2009 because of a crack down on public spending (1 October 2009).
Following a review in 2010, it made the decision to continue the freeze after an organisation-wide halt on recruitment (13 April 2010).
From October 2012 the scheme will be opened up to candidates who have not yet completed their vocational training, and will be provided with financial assistance towards the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
Applications for the first scheme close on 9 May 2012.
