Single Equality Scheme 1 12pt - Crown Prosecution Service

Single Equality Scheme 2006-2010
local level, the CPS is increasingly working with criminal justice partners as well as the voluntary
and community sector through Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs). We will work with partners
where appropriate to promote equality and diversity through our leadership and partnership roles.
Building public confidence, including that of diverse communities, in the criminal justice system
without compromising fairness is a key priority for the CPS and the wider criminal justice system.
A range of work is being undertaken to improve confidence at both national and local level.
Key Equality Issues
Contribute to the targets to raise public confidence of target groups in the CPS and the criminal
justice system as a whole through:
5 A Communications Strategy to improve internal and external communication
5 Programmes such as No Witness, No Justice
5 Community engagement strategy and programme to improve engagement with diverse
communities including Black and minority ethnic communities for whom there are specific
targets
5 Improving outcomes in hate crime prosecutions, including working with LGBT communities to
raise confidence levels in reporting crime following a national review of homophobic crime in
2006
The CPS Picture – Overall
Compared to other parts of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) the CPS has reasonably good
evidence on disability, ethnicity and gender equality and inequality in employment. In terms of
prosecution practice the CPS has reasonably good evidence on gender and ethnicity in terms of
prosecution decisions. Indeed the CRE has commended the CPS Annual Equalities in
Employment Report for its comprehensive coverage compared to other parts of the CJS.
Alongside this, independent reports have commended the quality of data available from the CPS
COMPASS Case Management System on the ethnicity and gender of defendants.
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