Director of Service Prosecutions Ministry of Defence Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 13th April 2025 Reference number: 394157 Salary: £140,000 a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Contract type: Fixed term Location: RAF Northolt, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG About the job The Service Prosecuting Authority is the principal prosecuting authority within the Service Justice System and is responsible for the prosecution of all service offences before the Service Courts. The Service Prosecuting Authority was formed through the merger of the Naval Prosecuting Authority, Army Prosecuting Authority and Royal Air Force Prosecuting Authority, enabling operational effectiveness and fairness by a single system of Service prosecution. In broad terms, the DSP’s functions are very similar to the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other civilian prosecuting authority. The role of the DSP is to act with prosecutorial independence to decide whether to prosecute a suspect under Service law, to determine the appropriate charges and prosecute the case before the Court Martial or Service Civilian Court. We are therefore looking for an exceptional, highly motivated and impactful individual to deliver a fair, efficient and high-quality prosecution service. This is a highly prestigious post, appointed by HM The King. As such, to be successful you will have well developed legal instincts, you will have experience of heavyweight court work, and diplomacy, tact and firmness in dealing with the issues the SPA faces. Imperative for the success of this role is fostering excellent working relationships with all stakeholders in the Service Justice System; all constituent parts rely heavily on each other for the effective functioning of the SPA. The SPA will benefit from your well-honed legal advice, your legal judgment and prosecutorial skills - and your outstanding personal leadership to the people under your direction, delivering consistently excellent service and insights. This is a unique opportunity to work with and for members of the Armed Forces, to maintain appropriate discipline within the ranks, while at the same time contributing materially to the Defence of this nation. You will be adding to the essential operational effectiveness of UK Defence, through applying the proper rule of law for our people, in sometimes very difficult circumstances. Job description Responsibilities and Principal Tasks To deliver a high quality prosecution service that brings offenders under service law to justice, thereby promoting discipline in the Armed Forces, which is vital to operational effectiveness. To deliver a prosecution service which promotes confidence in the Service Justice System (SJS) and the rule of law, through the consistent, fair and independent review of cases and through their thorough and firm presentation. To maintain a joint Service organisation of around 60 staff which is flexible and deployable throughout any theatre of operations. Key Objectives/Deliverables Effective allocation of casework on the basis of competence and experience. Maintain a complement of appropriately skilled prosecuting officers. Ensure that the system of decision taking within the SPA is independent, fair and efficient. Liaison with the Attorney General to allow the Attorney to exercise their role of oversight of the SPA. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the other constituent elements of the SJS to support the overall effectiveness of the system while maintaining prosecutorial independence. Advise Service Police on matters relating to investigation or prosecution under Service law. Contribute to the overall fairness and efficiency of the SJS and in consequence to the discipline and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Develop and maintain close liaison through Prosecuting Officers and other staff with the Service Police forces and with the court administration officer under the Act. Engage with His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (“the Inspectorate”) with a view to establishing and maintaining an effective system for the assessment of aspects, agreed with the Inspectorate, of SPA’s performance. Engage with counterparts in the civilian justice system as necessary about issues of common interest. Compile and maintain data relevant to the assessment by the Inspectorate of such aspects of SPA’s performance. Serve as a member of the Service Justice Board and Service Justice Executive Group to consider broad issues related to the SJS. Person specification The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their experience and skills against the following essential criteria: Must have either a 10 year general qualification within the meaning of Section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, or the Scottish or Northern Ireland Equivalents. Knowledge and experience of the criminal law of England and Wales and of criminal prosecutions. Recent courtroom advocacy experience at all levels in serious cases including in the Crown Court (or equivalent). A proven ability to lead, manage and give direction to a large team; Excellent media handling and presentational skills Personal stature to be a credible public face for the organisation. Strong influencing and networking skills which will help to drive a coherent approach to the Service Prosecuting Authority while also maintaining prosecutorial independence Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a strong field of candidates when there is a need to distinguish between candidates. This will be as a second sift, after the essential criteria has been considered: An understanding of Service life and the operations of the three Services, and of the needs and workings of a Service system of justice and discipline. An ability to quickly acquire such an understanding; an understanding of Service Law, in particular in relation to the Armed Forces Act (2006). Benefits Alongside your salary of £140,000, Ministry of Defence contributes £40,558 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%