§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Solicitor-General if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on equal treatment. [94863]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Government are committed to ensuring its policies are fair and inclusive, and focus on public service users, not providers. This aim is contained in guidance (published in 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies on gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition to considering impact, the guidance encourages consultation with women's groups and others where appropriate and action 959W to deal with any differential impact if this appears appropriate. The CPS applies the principles enshrined in the guidance in developing its policies. For example responsibility for providing a co-ordinated service to witnesses is shared by all agencies in the Criminal Justice System.
The Crown Prosecution Service works together with others in the Criminal Justice System to implement the Trial Issues Group National Standards of Witness Care in the Criminal Justice System via Local Service Level Agreements to ensure the special needs of witnesses are catered for.