§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Solicitor-General if there is a mandatory requirement for legal staff to participate in a continuing professional development programme. [35944]
§ The Solicitor-General[holding answer 14 February 2002]: Yes, lawyers in the CPS are required to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) according to the requirements laid down by their particular professional body, either the Law Society or the Bar Council. The requirement exists by virtue of the individual's professional status, not their employment with the CPS. All solicitors and barristers employed by CPS are provided with adequate opportunities to satisfy the CPD requirements of their professional bodies. Many lawyers annually exceed the requirements for CPD.
CPS is authorised to accredit CPD for in-house courses based on guidelines laid down by the Law Society and the Bar Council.
In addition to the requirements of the professional bodies, it is mandatory for CPS lawyers to attend the following in house courses:
- Induction for new lawyers
- Direct Communication with Victims
- European Court of Human Rights training
- Diversity Awareness
- Advocacy Skills training
Each year the CPS produces a National Training Plan, this specifies the mandatory training to be undertaken by staff to meet the requirements of new legislation and internal initiatives, this year these include the Proceeds of Crime and Racially Aggravated Crime.
Specialist areas are also supported by mandatory training. CPS lawyers undertake training to prepare them for casework in areas such as Youth Offenders, Child Abuse, and Speaking Up for Justice.