Commissioners of the Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Body
- Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Appointing Department
- Ministry of Justice
- Sector
- Regulation
- Location
- The role is home based, with the occasional requirement to travel to Birmingham for meetings.
- Skills required
- Regulation
- Number of Vacancies
- Up to 5
- Remuneration
- £358, daily remuneration
- Time Requirements
- Minimum of 52 days per year
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
20/04/2020
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Closed for Applications
20/07/2020 at 09:00
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Panel Sift
November 2020
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Final Interview Date
04/01/2021
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Announcement
26/05/2021 at 12:00
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
Her Majesty The Queen, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the appointment of Zahra Ahmed, Nicola Cockburn and Joanne Fazakerley as Commissioners of the CCRC.
Date: 26/05/2021
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Matthew Gould
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Deputy Director Criminal Courts & Criminal Law Policy Departmental Official
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- Panel Member
- Alison Wedge
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Deputy Director, Head of MoJ ALB Centre of Expertise
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- Panel Member
- Helen Pitcher
- Positions
- Chair of the CCRC Representative of Organisation
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- Panel Member
- Karen Kneller
- Positions
- CCRC Chief Executive Other Panel Member
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- Panel Member
- Tariq Usmani (TBC)
- Positions
- Independent Panel Member
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- Panel Member
- Carolin Rees QC
- Positions
- Independent Member
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Vacancy Description
The CCRC’s role is to investigate and review cases where it is alleged that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred in relation to conviction, sentence or both. The CCRC is entrusted with the exercise of wide-ranging, and sometimes intrusive, statutory powers. Commissioners are supported by senior managers, legal and investigations advisers, casework and administrative staff. Investigations are mainly carried out by CCRC staff but CCRC can require others, such as the police, to carry out investigations on its behalf.
Commissioners make casework decisions. This may be as part of a committee of three commissioners (where, for example, consideration is being given to referring a case back to the appeal courts) or more regularly individually, where case working staff, having reviewed and investigated a case, consider that a referral may not be appropriate. Commissioners may also be asked to become involved in the most complex of CCRC cases right at the start where they may decide what investigations staff (or others) will carry out on behalf of the CCRC. The majority of a Commissioner’s time will be focussed on taking decisions in respect of individual cases on his or her own
Commissioners may be called on to provide specialist advice depending on their background and expertise. Commissioners may also be involved in the training of staff and of fellow Commissioners; again, depending on the expertise they bring.
The CCRC is located in Birmingham. Commissioners will be home based and are required to attend the office on an occasional basis for attendance on committees and meetings. Most of their work is carried out electronically so it is essential that all Commissioners are comfortable using IT.
Person Specification
We are seeking a number of Commissioners. The precise number will depend on various factors including the skill set of the candidates; and the fit across the Commissioner body. Incoming Commissioners must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity.
Eligibility
It is essential that Commissioners are, and are seen to be, independent and impartial; all applicants must clearly set out any perceived conflict of interest in the supporting documents.
Qualities of a Commissioner
To help you decide if you have the qualities, skills and experience required for this post,
we have listed below the criteria that we will apply when assessing candidates.
Essential criteria
You must:
·Demonstrate integrity, fairness and independence of mind and sound judgement to make incisive, fair and legally sound decisions;
·Demonstrate intellectual capacity with the ability to make evidence-based decisions; and high level analytical ability, with experience of analysing complex legal or non-legal issues;
·Demonstrate ability to acquire knowledge and understanding quickly, especially of unfamiliar subject matters;
·Quickly assimilate information to identify essential issues and focus on the relevant issues, encouraging others to do the same;
·Allocate time and prioritise tasks effectively, delegating where appropriate, ensuring efficient completion of workload;
·Communicate succinctly and in a well-reasoned manner, using technical language only when necessary;
·Demonstrate courtesy and authority, instilling confidence in others by using effective communication; and
·Demonstrate an ability to work in an intensive IT based environment and engaging with available technology to carry out the role, while working remotely, in the most efficient and effective way.
Candidates may be invited take part in a casework scenario group exercise as part of the selection process. This will help inform the selection panel’s decision on who to recommend for interview. Those selected for interview may be asked to undertake a critical reasoning exercise prior to their interview, where they will be asked questions on this.
You do not need any legal knowledge to complete this exercise which has been prepared so that it is equally accessible to candidates who are not legally qualified. You may, however, benefit from looking at the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and the Commission’s case working policies which are available at http://www.ccrc.gov.uk/publications/ccrc-casework-policies/.
The CCRC has changed its policy in respect of Commissioners being able to hold posts simultaneously in the criminal justice system. It encourages and welcomes applications from candidates who also hold posts in the criminal justice system which do not raise an issue in respect of conflict. The CCRC considers that posts which do raise an unacceptable level of conflict include lawyers representing those involved in criminal cases or lawyers sitting or working in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division. Our policy can be found at www.ccrc.gov.uk on the Commission’s website.
How to Apply
Send the following documents:
o A copy of your CV, in no more than two sides of A4; o A supporting statement that evidences how you meet all the criteria, in no more than two sides of A4; o Declarations of interest form; o Names and contacts details of two referees (who will be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview); o Please complete the diversity monitoring form in the link below
Please send your CV, supporting letter and supporting documents to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk quoting reference PAT 150091 in the subject line. We will acknowledge receipt.