This Statement sets out the ethical principles that underpin and guide our work as public prosecutors. It confirms our commitment to internationally agreed standards of probity, fairness, openness and accountability in our dealings with others, whether they are victims, defendants or other criminal justice legal professionals. In abiding unswervingly by the principles set out in this Statement, we shall continue to serve the public and uphold justice in a rapidly changing world.

When Parliamentarians – used here as a term for MPs in the House of Commons, Peers in the House of Lords and Members of the Welsh Assembly – become the victims of crime because of the role they carry out, it threatens democracy.

The CPS does not publish official statistics. CPS data is operational management information, which can be used as an indicator of CPS performance

The CPS does not publish official statistics. CPS data is operational management information, which can be used as an indicator of CPS performance

Foreword by Chief People Officer, Dawn Brodrick The CPS is an organisation that values equality, inclusivity, and diversity. A key aim in our organisational strategy - CPS 2025 - is ensuring our people are supported and able to develop to reach their full potential. How we pay and reward our employees is an essential part of that approach.

Foreword from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson: 'Crimes committed against those who stand for, and serve in, public office strike at the heart of our democracy. They threaten the lifeblood of democracy itself – participation – and we must do everything possible to tackle them. The role of the CPS is to bring offenders to justice whenever this happens in England and Wales, through the independent, fair and effective prosecution of crime.'

Executive Summary It is important that Criminal Justice Agencies gather and review victim feedback. Not only does this help ensure that victims' voices are heard, but it can also help Criminal Justice Agencies (CJAs) to monitor performance, evaluate new initiatives, and meet upcoming organisational and legislative requirements – such as those included in the Victim and Prisoners Bill (MoJ, 2023), and the CPS’s Victim Transformation Programme (VTP).

Alice King, Vanessa E. Munro & Lotte Young Andrade – University of Warwick

About CPS data: The CPS does not publish official statistics. CPS data is operational management information, which can be used as an indicator of CPS performance.

Summary report: Rape and serious sexual offences: public understanding and attitudes and Reframing Rape: Effective communication about rape