Meet our casework assistants
Helen
"There are lots of opportunities here, with ongoing support and training. You don’t need to know about the law, you learn as you go. Just go for it."
My inspiration
I’m a true crime enthusiast and I’m genuinely interested in the diversity of life. I think the work of the Crown Prosecution Service is fantastic. It’s independent and provides a key role between the police and the courts to be legal and fair, which is so important. It provides the checks and measures.
I’ve also always wanted to work from home. It feels so different and is a completely different pace to retail. I love the flexibility. I have elderly parents and sometimes life gets in the way.
My background
I worked in retail for 40 years but felt that it was changing, particularly during the pandemic. I moved to night shifts but I felt I missed out on so much. I needed a change.
My husband works in the civil service and that gave me the idea. I saw the casework assistant role and thought ‘should I?’. At 56, I realised I had nothing to lose. The application process was straightforward and I did some interview research. The role seemed ideal but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. But I got the job!
My typical day
When the police send a case to the CPS, it comes to our team. As a casework assistant, I get together all the basic case information. I look at what the police send and what they say they’ve sent. If it’s all as it should be, the case is progressed to a lawyer at the magistrates’ court. If not, it gets sent back for more information.
We deal with general new cases, complex cases, and rape and serious sexual offences in the North East, so that covers Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland.
On a typical day, I deal with remand cases first – anyone who is arrested overnight goes to the magistrates’ court the next day. We have to bundle the information ready. After that, we progress the cases that the police want to go ahead.
My biggest learning
My advice to anyone thinking of applying is to give it a try – you have nothing to lose. There are lots of opportunities here, with ongoing support and training. You don’t need to know about the law, you learn as you go. Just go for it.
Helen, Casework Assistant
Helen, Casework Assistant
Ellie-Rose, Casework Assistant
Ellie-Rose, Casework Assistant
Ellie-Rose
“I can't wait to develop my career and learn more. The CPS offers great support and training opportunities, there are lots of programmes available that give you help when you need it.”
My background
I'd recently had two children and managed to find time to start my law degree. I wanted to pursue my true passion of providing justice for victims. Since starting as a casework assistant with the CPS, I've been studying while working - my aim is to become a crown prosecutor.
My typical day
I work within the magistrates' court team which I love.
When I log onto my laptop in the morning, I see which area of work I've been given and complete the tasks allocated by my casework admin manager.
These tasks range from updating police correspondence, recording court outcomes, to making sure all casefile information is recorded accurately, ready for the prosecuting lawyer. I also check the magistrates' CPS mailbox for updates and assign emails to the relevant individual, and I deal with phone enquiries.
I really enjoy the work. I'm helping towards the outcome of cases, inputting important information onto our case management system accurately and quickly, so it's ready for trial or court hearings.
My biggest learning
I've developed lots of skills whilst working within the CPS. I've built my understanding of criminal proceedings and criminal law, improved my communication and listening skills by working with my colleagues and other criminal justice partners. It's so rewarding to be part of a team that supports each other and works together to ensure we get the best possible outcome for each case.
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