CPS Board meeting minutes - September 2021

Thursday 30 September, 13:00-16:00
Petty France: Dulwich and Farringdon Rooms

Members

Monica Burch (C), Max Hill QC, Rebecca Lawrence, Simon Jeffreys, Caroline Wayman, Mark Hammond

Guests

Heidi Stonecliffe, Ashley Harshak (PA Consulting), Gregor McGill, Dawn Broderick, Graham Ritchie, Matthew Outterside, Andrew Dale Dowd, Jo Jakymec, Claire Walsh

Secretariat

Lissa Matthews

Item 1: Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising

1.    The Board reviewed and agreed the minutes of the last meeting with the addition of an action relating to an item on Operational Recovery to be added to the October 2021 meeting.
1.1    Progress was noted against outstanding actions which were closed.

Item 2:  Update from the DPP

2.    The DPP provided an update on the following:
a.    CJ Taskforces
b.    Update on Law Officer appointments
c.    Engagement with NPCC
d.    CCP moves
e.    International work
f.    Area visits
2.1    The Board discussed:
a.    CPS position on any criminal justice reforms that may be forthcoming
b.    Joined up approach to performance oversight

Item 3: Q1 Performance

3.    The Board welcomed the presenters and the Chair. Gregor McGill gave an overview of the themes in Q1 performance.
3.1    The Board discussed the causes of the CTL issues; time taken from police referral to charge and the complexity of cases impacting on charging decisions. The impact of external events on performance was discussed and it was agreed the Board would be updated on timelines for outcomes from operational performance actions.

Item 4: Quarterly Business Plan highlight report and Success Measures Data

4.    Graham Ritchie and Andrew Dale Dowd presented the business plan summary. At the end of Q1 the position was positive, there has been some re-baselining as a result of re prioritising some work strands. Key deliverables such as the RASSO legal guidance had been delivered.
4.1    The Board sought clarity on how performance is being measured alongside external reporting
4.2    It was noted Action 2 will support work on performance reporting.

Item 5: EU Transition Update

5.    Claire Walsh gave an overview of the transition on mutual legal assistance and extradition. The key points considered were:
a)    Member States who have a nationality bar to extradition
b)    Training and guidance provided to International Network leads
c)    Systems implemented to manage surrender arrangements, noting reliance on law enforcement
5.1    The CEO commended the work of the team, the Board echoed this and thanked Claire for the comprehensive paper and update.

Item 6: 2020 Board Effectiveness Evaluation (BEE) Action Quarterly Update

6.    Dawn Brodrick introduced the item referencing the action log within the paper. Lissa Matthews gave an update on Corporate Governance staffing; 2 appointments had been made and were awaiting start dates.
6.1    Dawn updated that Sub Executive group level governance is now in place.
6.2    In relation to the People and Change group, Dawn gave an update on the recruitment picture across the Service. The Board asked for an update when available.

Item 7: Shadow Board Feedback

7.    Heidi Stonecliffe gave her first feedback as Shadow Board Chair. Heidi gave an overview of the initial feedback from the Shadow Board which included:
a)    Need to promote the work of the Shadow Board to increase staff awareness
b)    Business planning engagement and opportunities for staff to be more engaged in shaping the plan
c)    Interest in why trends are being reported and actions taken
d)    Offer to host Board members in Shadow Board members Areas/ Directorates
7.1    The Chair welcomed the feedback and agreed Board members would welcome opportunities for visits.

AOB

None raised

Secretariat 
September 2021