HMCPSI has a statutory duty to inspect the operation of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
The purpose of inspection is to drive improvements and build public confidence in the prosecution process. Our inspections do this by providing independently assessed evidence, which:
- Allows others to hold the CPS and SFO to account
- Informs debate about how they perform
While we may make recommendations in our reports, we are not a regulator, and do not have any power to enforce compliance.
We may inspect other prosecution services by invitation. In the past, we have inspected the Service Prosecuting Authority and assisted the Criminal Justice Northern Ireland Inspectorate in inspecting the Public Prosecution Service.
Our vision
We are part of the solution to improving the Criminal Justice System through high quality inspection.
- We hold the CPS and SFO to account for what they deliver (we make recommendations that drive improvement)
- Victims will be at the heart of inspection (where we can, we will use victim experience in our inspection)
- Using our 25 years of experience we will help public prosecutors improve (their legal casework)
- Inspection will identify and spread best practice
Our values
We act with integrity, creating a culture of respect, drive innovation, pursue ambition, and commit to inclusivity in everything we do.
The vision and values are due for review in 2030.
Who we report to
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service, the head of HMCPSI, is appointed by the Attorney General. This is a public appointment for a fixed term. The Chief Inspector acts independently of the Attorney General and of the government.
We have a statutory duty to inspect the operation of the CPS and SFO and report to the Attorney General, who superintends both those organisations. Our reports play an important role in effective superintendence.
The operational relationship between the Attorney General and the Chief Inspector is set out in a protocol agreed between the Law Officers (the Attorney General and Solicitor General) and the Chief Inspector.