Hear from our casework admin managers
Ashleigh
"There are so many different roles and departments within the CPS that there is a job to suit everyone, and lots of opportunities for you to challenge yourself and recognise your potential!"
My inspiration
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go to university after college, so when I saw the advertisement for apprenticeships at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and work in a legal environment. I was keen to get into law and work in a job in which I could serve a purpose in society and make a difference to people’s lives.
My background
I have worked at the CPS for over five years now, starting as an apprentice in the operational delivery unit led me to obtaining a permanent position in the team as an caseworker.
A couple of years after finishing my first apprenticeship, I went on to complete a level three paralegal apprenticeship. The CPS supported me throughout all my studies, ensuring I had a dedicated study day every week to work on my assignments so I had the best chance of success. Giving me with this opportunity has meant that I now have another qualification under my belt, which assists me as I develop in my career and future.
My typical day
In my day-to-day role, I work closely with other members of the CPS and the criminal justice system. This provides me with different experiences allowing me to gain new skills and develop my confidence. It can be a challenging role, it requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure, but it is very rewarding. My experience has enabled me to develop in my career and obtain promotions, from caseworker to casework admin manager, and further.
Alongside my role, I am also a part of a variety of different working groups, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. One of my roles is as a trainer, where I am responsible for training and supporting my colleagues when new IT systems are implemented. I am also a people champion, which means that I act as an advocate for my colleagues, providing a voice for any issues or concerns they have.
In addition to these roles, I also assist with community engagement events in schools, participating in career aspiration fairs and other events designed to help students explore different career options. This allows me to share my own experiences and knowledge with people, helping to inspire and promote the career paths the CPS has to offer.
My biggest learning
Overall, my diverse roles keep my work interesting and fulfilling, and I am constantly learning and growing as a professional. There are so many different roles and departments within the CPS that there is a job to suit everyone, and lots of opportunities for you to challenge yourself and recognise your potential!
Ashleigh, former Casework Admin Manager, now Paralegal Business Manager.
Ashleigh, former Casework Admin Manager, now Paralegal Business Manager.
Jasmin, Casework Admin Manager.
Jasmin, Casework Admin Manager.
Jasmin
'I wanted to work somewhere that made a difference to individuals and communities. I enjoy knowing that I work towards supporting this and being part of the wider criminal justice system'
My background
I joined the CPS whilst studying law (CiLEX) part-time in college - I have always had a passion for criminal law and wanted to work somewhere with purpose. The CPS felt like a natural fit combining my personal and professional interests. I applied for a casework assistant position initially, but was offered a personal assistant (PA) role instead, which I gladly accepted.
I spent five years in my PA role before becoming a paralegal assistant based at court. I then wanted a new challenge leading and supporting a team, so I applied for the casework admin manager role, and was successful!
My inspiration
I wanted to work somewhere that made a real difference to our communities and individuals. I am proud to share the same aims and values as the CPS and have a genuine interest in criminal law. I enjoy knowing I am working towards supporting those at their most vulnerable, and being a part of the wider criminal justice system.
My typical day
I'm one of five casework managers on my magistrates court team and we each line manage casework assistants. Day to day I assign work across a variety of different tasks to caseworkers, monitor their progress, and support them in carrying out their work. As team leader, I ensure my staff know what our current priorities, aims and objectives are and see that everyone is supported in working towards those.
It’s my responsibility to monitor tasks assigned to the team including cases where a Custody Time Limit is running. Throughout the course of my day, I am working closely with fellow team managers, prosecutors and paralegals as well as attending internal meetings and communicating key messages to my team.
I liaise with other criminal justice partners including the Police and the courts, responding to their enquiries. My role also involves carefully checking and authorising invoices for services received in support of case progression.
My advice to you
Go for it! No two days are the same – the casework admin manager role is varied and interesting, there’s also a brilliant pension and benefits package which includes flexible and hybrid working - it helps make the CPS a great place to work.
Being in a casework team you are at the centre of it all and it's brilliant - we're motivated, compassionate, team-spirited, robust, and flexible.
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