The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is undertaking significant recruitment efforts to address a shortage of lawyers, particularly senior crown prosecutors. The "Go Prosecute" scheme is a key initiative, designed to attract experienced solicitors and barristers back into criminal law. Launched in 2025, this scheme offers a one-year secondment as a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the potential for a permanent role. Participants receive tailored training, mentoring, and casework experience, with the CPS actively promoting flexible working arrangements and civil service benefits, including annual leave and a 28.9% contributory pension. Salaries for these roles range from £54,000 to £61,000 in the regions and £59,000 to £69,000 in London.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, has championed the "Go Prosecute" scheme, noting its success in attracting a diverse group of legal professionals. The first cohort included 23 lawyers, with 32% from an ethnic minority background, 58% women, and 23% reporting a disability. More than a quarter joined on a part-time basis. The second recruitment round for "Go Prosecute" is currently open until June 29, 2026, with successful applicants expected to start in September.
In addition to the "Go Prosecute" scheme for experienced lawyers, the CPS also offers a comprehensive two-year Legal Trainee Scheme for aspiring solicitors and barristers. This program guarantees a permanent position as a Crown Prosecutor upon successful completion and provides extensive training in criminal law, including secondments outside criminal law, and courses in advocacy and proactive prosecuting. The CPS is the largest employer of criminal law specialists in England and Wales, highly rated by law students, and committed to professional growth, offering promotion opportunities to roles like Senior Crown Prosecutor in the Crown Court after initial magistrates' court experience.
The recruitment drives aim to address a reported vacancy rate of 8.2% and a specific shortage of 160 senior crown prosecutors. The CPS allows only one application per candidate across its trainee solicitor and pupil barrister roles, or for specific Welsh-speaking adverts. These initiatives underscore the CPS's commitment to building critical capacity and moving cases through the courts during a period of high demand in the criminal justice system.
The CPS's recruitment strategy, including the "Go Prosecute" scheme and the Legal Trainee Scheme, is designed to enhance its workforce, offering structured pathways for both seasoned professionals returning to the field and new graduates entering criminal law. The emphasis on flexible working, comprehensive training, and clear career progression is intended to make the CPS an attractive employer in a competitive legal landscape.
