Lead non-executive board member
Crown Prosecution Service
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions
Since I became Director of Public Prosecutions in November 2023, I have made it a priority to provide the best leadership to all our staff and to transform and improve the service we provide.
The Crown Prosecution Service sits at the heart of the criminal justice system, working with partners to help keep the public safe. We prosecute criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales.
Our duty is to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible. These offences can include burglary, terrorism, domestic abuse and multimillion-pound fraud cases. We also work across borders to tackle cybercrime, human trafficking and drugs smuggling, and use our powers to confiscate the proceeds of crime at home and abroad.
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions
Lead non-executive board member
Your role as lead non-executive board member and chair of the Crown Prosecution Service Board is to provide informative and independent views, share external insight, and expertly challenge our business acumen. You support the Director of Public Prosecutions in an advisory capacity on non-legal casework decisions and operational business delivery matters.
You participate in two board subgroups – the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and the Remuneration Committee, ensuring that their views are considered at the Crown Prosecution Service Board. You also provide representation at Ministerial Strategic Board, gaining insights to contribute to our annual report and accounts.
You need to have substantial experience of being a non-executive director in a high-profile organisation.. A strong understanding of governance in the public sector, risk management, internal control assurance and compliance is essential. You're expected to build collaborative relationships with people across and outside the organisation, displaying strong analytical skills, judgement and decision making. There must be no conflict of interest between your business activities and the non-executive role.
As lead non-executive board member, you have the chance to make a positive difference to the communities we serve and to wider society. The Crown Prosecution Service is a diverse and inclusive employer and works hard to create a culture where everyone can thrive.
What's the role?
This vacancy is for a lead non-executive board member to chair the Crown Prosecution Service Board. It's a London-based three-year role with a possible extension of up to another three years.
The Crown Prosecution Service Board, consisting of non-executive board members, the Director of Public Prosecutions and Director Generals, agree the strategic direction and priorities for the Crown Prosecution Service. It provides a forum for constructive challenge on proposals and decisions implemented by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Executive Team. It plays a key role in ensuring that the organisation is equipped to provide a professional, efficient and high-quality service. The Board meets at least eight times a year.
The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee consists of at least four members - two non-executive board members and two additional non-executive members. The Committee advises the Board on key elements of effectiveness linked to risk management, assurance management and the internal control framework. The Committee also reviews the comprehensiveness and reliability of assurances provided by internal audit, external audit and our executive team, challenging when gaps in processes are identified and where weaknesses are exposed. You are invited to meet the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee four times a year.
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by a non-executive board member. The committee supports the Crown Prosecution Service Board on key elements of effectiveness, ensuring there are satisfactory systems for identifying and developing leadership and high potential. This also involves scrutinising the incentive structures and succession planning initiatives of the Board and senior leadership. You are invited to meet non-executive board members from the Remuneration Committee four times a year.
The Ministerial Strategic Board is chaired by law officers - the Attorney General or Solicitor General. It consists of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Crown Prosecution Service Director Generals, the Attorney General's Office Director General, and you as lead non-executive board member. The purpose of the ministerial strategic board is to oversee the strategic direction of the Crown Prosecution Service and to support and hold the organisation to account in delivering its strategic objectives. The Ministerial Strategic Board meets quarterly. You meet with the law officers at least twice a year, for the purpose of providing an independent and external perspective on the Crown Prosecution Service and its business.
This role pays £25,000 a year, plus reasonable expenses.
This is an outstanding opportunity to make a far-reaching contribution to the criminal justice system.
What's required?
Time commitment
You must commit up to 36 days a year, with a maximum of four days a month.
This is a three-year role with a possible extension of up to another three years.
Person specification
You must able to demonstrate the following essential criteria.
- Substantial experience of being a non-executive director in a high-profile organisation, including experience of chairing a committee or board.
- A strong understanding of governance in the public sector, risk management, internal control assurance, and compliance.
- A proven ability to operate strategically and contribute positively to an organisation in a non-executive capacity.
- Strong analytical skills, judgement and decision making.
- A proven ability to build proactive and collaborative relationships with people across and outside the organisation.
- No conflict of interest between your business activities and the non-executive member role.
It's desirable that you have knowledge of the criminal justice system in England and Wales and an understanding of the role of the Crown Prosecution Service within it.
If you're successful, you must get Security Check clearance before or once you've taken up the role.
How do I apply?
Please email us a CV setting out your career history and experience - up to two sides of A4. And a supporting statement with evidence of your achievementsin the areas detailed in the person specification, 1,000 words max. Please include details of any outside interests or reputational issues in a separate document and confirm where you heard about this role.
Interviews are taking place in person, Tuesday 11 February 2025 at 102 Petty France, London.
The application deadline is 12pm on 23 December 2024.
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