Candidate Guide. Legal Trainee Scheme 2015 Application Guidance

Transcription

1 Legal Trainee Scheme 2015 Applicatin Guidance 1

2 Cntents The Offer Recruitment Prcess Eligibility Requirements Security Check Feedback Applicatin Questins Recruitment Prcess Schedule Candidates Declaring a Disability Jb Descriptin Pupil Barrister Jb Descriptin Trainee Slicitr Persn Specificatin Applicatin Tips fr Candidates 2

3 The Offer The CPS is ffering legal trainee psts t start in Nvember Pupillage r Perid f Recgnised Training (PRT) are available, with psts ffered in rder f merit t the tp perfrming candidates regardless f discipline sught. Pupillage PRT 1 year in duratin 2 years in duratin Trainee psts are available n a natinal basis. Upn successful qualificatin Legal Trainees will be ffered permanent psts, graded as Crwn Prsecutrs, with the expectatin that they will gain the necessary skills and cmpetence t apply fr Senir Crwn Prsecutr psts thrugh regular recruitment prcedures. Lcatin f Crwn Prsecutr psts will be natinal (England and Wales), dependent upn business need and may differ frm the training lcatin. Financial assistance will nt be available fr relcatin r travel. Legal Trainee - Starting Salary Natinal 21,345 Lndn 22, ,000 recruitment and retentin allwance Crwn Prsecutr - Starting Salary Natinal 31,992 Lndn 33,704 + a Recruitment & Retentin allwance f 1000 r 3000 per annum dependent upn Lndn pay lcatin. 3

4 Recruitment Prcess The Natinal Legal Trainee Scheme 2015 recruitment and selectin prcess will cnsist f the fllwing stages: 1. On-line Applicatin Frm including 3 applicatin questins and CV* 2. Eligibility Check 3. **Shrtlist n Candidate Applicatin Frms and CV 4. Legal Case Study 5. Verbal / Numerical Ability Test and CPS Values Self-Assessment questinnaire 6. Interview & Presentatin Exercise *CV t be upladed via n-line applicatin. See guidance here n what is t be included in the CV Candidates will need t meet the required standard at each selectin stage in rder t be invited t undertake the next ne. Please click here t access the n-line applicatin frm **Please nte the CPS reserves the right t include a Civil Service Situatinal Judgement test between stages 2 and 3 shuld a large vlume f applicatins be received. Eligibility Requirements T be eligible t apply fr a place n the CPS Natinal Legal Trainee Scheme 2015, yu must meet all f ur eligibility criteria. Candidates wh apply and are later fund nt t meet the academic; natinality r immigratin criteria will be remved frm the selectin prcess. Cnditinal ffers f emplyment will be withdrawn where candidates d nt meet these requirements Academic Candidates must have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. This des nt have t be in law. Candidates with a degree in a subject ther than Law will als have needed t cmplete the Graduate Diplma in Law (GDL) r Cmmn Prfessinal Examinatin (CPE). Candidates are als required t have successfully cmpleted, r be due t cmplete, the Bar Prfessinal Training Curse (BPTC) r Legal Practice Curse (LPC) t enable them t start with the CPS in Nvember

5 Natinality The CPS Natinal Legal Trainee Scheme is pen t applicants wh are: UK natinals Eurpean Ecnmic Area (EEA) natinals Swiss natinals and, in sme circumstances, Turkish natinals Cmmnwealth citizens Our natinality rules are determined by the Civil Service natinality requirements. Full details abut these requirements and exceptins can be fund here. The CPS prsecutes cases in curts thrughut England and Wales. In Wales/Cymru area the ability t speak Welsh will be an advantage. Immigratin Status In additin t meeting the Civil Service natinality requirements, yu must als be legally entitled t wrk in the UK. The UK Brder Agency perates a pints-based immigratin plicy which applies t migrants frm utside the Eurpean Ecnmic Area, Switzerland and Turkey - details are prvided n the UK Brder Agency s Website Applicatins will be accepted frm thse wh meet the Civil Service natinality requirements. Applicants will als be required t prvide infrmatin abut their immigratin status. Dcument checks will be undertaken and any ffer f emplyment will be subject t cnfirmatin that the applicant meets the natinality requirements and is bth lawfully entitled t reside and t wrk in the UK. In accrdance with the rules set dwn by the Hme Office/UKBA, spnsrship fr a wrk permit will nly be cnsidered where n suitable settled wrker is identified t fill the available psitins. Security Check Prir t applying fr a vacancy please be aware that befre a persn can be regarded as qualified fr appintment, the CPS must be satisfied abut their character. All successful candidates will be subject t pre-emplyment checks, including a Disclsure and Barring Service (DBS) check, where they are required t disclse any previus r spent cnvictins. The CPS is exempt frm Sectin 4(2) f the Rehabilitatin f Offenders Act Therefre, an ffer f emplyment may nt be made t anyne 5

6 wh has been cautined, has been cnvicted, r has spent cnvictins, fr an ffence listed n ur Prscribed Offences List. Prir t applying fr these rles please cntact us if yu have any queries r cncerns abut this. Feedback It is with regret that due t the large vlume f applicatins anticipated we will nt be able t prvide all unsuccessful candidates with feedback. Candidates unsuccessful at interview and wh wuld like feedback must their request ne week after ntificatin f results via: legaltrainee.scheme2015@cps.gsi.gv.uk 6

7 Applicatin Questins As part f the n-line applicatin frm candidates are required t prvide written respnses t the 3 questins fund belw. Each respnse is limited t 250 wrds and will be cnsidered as part f the applicatin shrtlist stage. Mtivated by CPS wrk Please give yur reasns fr seeking t becme a lawyer and hw they relate t the wrk f the Crwn Prsecutin Service? Yu may wish t cnsider the fllwing when writing yur respnse What is it abut the wrk f the CPS that mtivates yu? Hw d yu fresee yur rle cntributing t current CPS key pririties? What are yur future aspiratins what is yur specific lng-term career gal? Leading & Cmmunicating Give me an example f when yu have had t cmmunicate imprtant infrmatin persuasively? What apprach did yu adpt and why? Did yu encunter any resistance? Hw did yu ensure yur bjectives were met? Cllabrating and Partnering When have yu had t build a really effective, imprtant wrking relatinship? What apprach did yu adpt and why? Did yu encunter any difficulties? What were the benefits f the relatinship? 7

8 What t include in yur CV In additin t answering the applicatin questins we ask that yu uplad brief, tailred CV detailing infrmatin regarding any relevant activities (e.g. mini pupillage) yu ve undertaken t help fulfil yur career aspiratins in additin t yur mst recent emplyment. Hw have yu benefited frm these experiences? Yur CV shuld be typed n a wrd dcument, and shuld be n lnger than tw sides f A4. Yu shuld uplad it via the relevant sectin f the nline applicatin frm. When writing yur CV, yu can include all activities (nt just legal based) that yu think are relevant t this pst, and utline any transferable skills yu have btained. 8

9 Recruitment Prcess Schedule 2015 All dates are subject t change. Shuld candidates be unavailable fr any f the selectin stages then please ntify us f the reasns why as sn as pssible. Given the timeframes invlved there is n guarantee we ll be able t accmmdate yu hwever we will d what we can t help wherever pssible. Date Actin 04 March Applicatin prcess pens 18 March Clsing date fr applicatins 23 March Applicatin Shrtlist 13 April t 20 April Legal Case Study 13 May t 18 May Ability Tests / CPS Values Self-Assessment 01 June t 19 June Interviews / Presentatins 01 July Ntificatin f Final Results 06 July Pre-emplyment Checks 02 Nvember Legal Trainees cmmence pupillage / training cntract 9

10 Candidates Declaring a Disability The Crwn Prsecutin Service is cmmitted t cnsidering any reasnable adjustments needed t ensure that disabled candidates can participate in the selectin prcess. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled persn as smene wh has a physical r mental impairment which has a substantial and adverse lng-term effect n his r her ability t carry ut nrmal day-t-day activities. Fr mre infrmatin click here If yu are a disabled persn as defined by the Equality Act 2010, then please ntify us as sn as pssible f any reasnable adjustments required t enable yu t cmpete at each f the selectin stages that make up the recruitment prcess. Any infrmatin given in supprt f yur request will be treated in cnfidence and withheld frm thse invlved in selectin based decisins. Please cntact us at legaltrainee.scheme2015@cps.gsi.gv.uk We perate a fair and pen recruitment prcess and all candidates must meet the required minimum standard at each stage f the recruitment prcess in rder t be invited t interview. We will make reasnable adjustments where necessary fr candidates t enable them undertake each stage f the recruitment prcess as utlined abve. 10

11 Jb Descriptin Pupil Barrister Rle Purpse T successfully cmplete the study & training required t becme a practising barrister. Casewrk Preparatin Review and preparatin f cases, under supervisin. Crrespndence with ther CJS agencies, defence lawyers and cunsel, under supervisin. Attend cnferences with plice and cunsel and meetings with victims and witnesses, under supervisin. Prvide advice t plice n charging, under supervisin. Legal Research Research law and reprt back t supervisr and ther lawyers. Prfessinal Respnsibility Maintain recrds f wrk and link t Bar Standards Bard checklists. Plan and review f pupillage prgramme with supervisr. T arrange and attend prfessinal curses and undertake all activities t ensure that the Bar Standards Bard training requirements are met. Curt Attendance Shadw lawyers at Magistrates and Crwn curts in rder t gain experience f advcacy by bservatin. Assist Casewrkers at curt by preparing cases, liaising with witnesses and supprting cunsel where required. Curt Presentatin (2nd six mnths nly) Represent the CPS at curt and present cases. Key Cntacts Internal: Supervisr Staff in secndment ffices Training Principal Prsecutrs Casewrkers Administrative staff External: Bar Standards Bard Plice Witnesses Defence lawyers Barristers & their clerks CJS agencies including curt staff, witness services (including vluntary agencies) and prbatin services 11

12 Jb Descriptin Trainee Slicitr Rle Purpse T successfully cmplete the study & training required t becme a fully qualified slicitr. Casewrk Preparatin Review and preparatin f cases, under supervisin. Crrespndence with ther CJS agencies, defence lawyers and cunsel, under supervisin. Attend cnferences with plice and cunsel and meetings with victims and witnesses, under supervisin. Prvide advice t plice n charging, under supervisin. Legal Research Research law and reprt back t supervisr and ther lawyers. Prfessinal Respnsibility Maintain recrds f wrk & link t Slicitrs Regulatin Authrity s (SRA) skills standards. Plan and review f training prgramme with supervisr. T arrange and attend prfessinal curses and ther activities t ensure that the Slicitrs Regulatin Authrity s (SRA) training requirements are met. Arrangement and cmpletin f secndments as required by the Slicitrs Regulatin Authrity (SRA). Curt Attendance Shadw lawyers at Magistrates and Crwn curts in rder t gain experience f advcacy by bservatin. Assist Casewrkers at curt by preparing cases, liaising with witnesses and supprting cunsel where required. Key Cntacts Internal: Supervisr Staff in secndment ffices Training Principal Prsecutrs Casewrkers Administrative staff External: Slicitrs Regulatin Authrity (SRA) Plice Witnesses Defence lawyers Barristers & their clerks CJS agencies including curt staff, witness services (including vluntary agencies) and prbatin services 12

13 Persn Specificatin - Legal Trainee (pupil barrister & trainee slicitr) Mtivated by wrk f the CPS - (Applicatin frm, Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self- Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Have a demnstrable interest in law, in particular the area f criminal prsecutin and be mtivated by public service. Demnstrates a knwledge & understanding f the wrk f the CPS and its rle in the wider Criminal Justice System. A strng fcus n cntinuus learning with the ability t apply knwledge f criminal law gained frm study and experience. Leading & Cmmunicating - (Applicatin frm, Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self- Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Display enthusiasm arund gals and activities adpting a psitive apprach when interacting with thers Listen t, understand, respect and accept the value f different views, ideas and ways f wrking Express ideas effectively, bth rally and in writing, and with sensitivity and respect fr thers Cnfidently handle challenging cnversatins r interviews Making Effective Decisins - (Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self-Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Demnstrate accuntability and make unbiased decisins Examine cmplex infrmatin and btain further infrmatin t make accurate decisins Speak with the relevant peple in rder t btain the mst accurate infrmatin and get advice when unsure f hw t prceed Explain clearly, verbally and in writing, hw a decisin has been reached Seeing the Big Picture - (Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self-Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Keep up t date with a brad set f issues relating t the wrk f the Crwn Prsecutin Service Fcus n the verall gal and intent f what they are trying t achieve, nt just the task Take an active interest in expanding their knwledge f areas related t wn rle 13

14 CPS Legal Trainee Persn Specificatin cntinued Cllabratin and Partnering - (Applicatin frm, Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self- Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Practively seek infrmatin, resurces and supprt frm thers utside wn immediate team in rder t help achieve results Take respnsibility fr creating a wrking envirnment that encurages equality, diversity and inclusin Readily identify pprtunities t share knwledge, infrmatin and learning and make prgress by wrking with clleagues Delivering at Pace (Applicatin frm, Legal Case Study, CPS Values Self-Assessment, Presentatin & Interview) Take wnership f prblems in their wn area f respnsibility Remain psitive and fcused n achieving utcmes despite setbacks Set and achieve challenging gals and mnitr quality Specialist Skills and Knwledge - (Case Study, Presentatin & Interview) Demnstrates a knwledge & understanding f the wrk f the CPS and its rle in the wider Criminal Justice System. Able t apply knwledge f criminal law gained frm study and experience. Trainee Slicitr Qualificatins - (Applicatin frm) Academic: Law degree r Graduate Diplma in Law (GDL) & Legal Practice Curse (LPC) Prfessinal: Student Membership f the Slicitr s Regulatin Authrity Pupil Barrister Qualificatins - (Applicatin frm) Academic: Law degree r Graduate Diplma in Law (GDL) & Bar Prfessinal Training Curse (BPTC) Prfessinal: Called t the Bar 14

15 Practical Applicatin Tips fr Candidates 1. Draft respnses t the 3 applicatin questins in a Micrsft Wrd dcument, ensuring that they each meet the wrd cunt requirement. Once yu are cntent with what yu have drafted, cpy and paste the respnses int the bxes prvided (250 wrds max) via the n-line applicatin frm. 2. Uplad a brief, tailred CV t prvide infrmatin n previus emplyment histry, and include hw it fits with yur career aspiratins. Previus experiences may r may nt be legal based. 3. Practice nline ability tests are widely available n the internet and we advise candidates t familiarise themselves with the style and frmat f each test. Saville Cnsulting, the CPS test prviders, have a range f practice tests. Fr mre infrmatin please see attached link: 4. We want t ensure that every candidate taking part in this cmpetitive selectin prcess gives the best pssible accunt f themselves. Any prblems encuntered r queries that need addressing shuld be directed via t the CPS Resurcing Centre via: legaltrainee.scheme2015@cps.gsi.gv.uk 15