CPS approved and Bar Council CPD accredited

All barristers who wish to prosecute rape cases must have completed CPS approved training by October 2007.

The Northern Circuit's Rape & Serious Sexual Offences seminar in November 2006 was a great success and was fully attended. It is apparent, however, that there are many whose attendance at that seminar was not possible due to numbers.

In accordance with CPS policy, the requirement may now be met by watching 3 DVDs of the original seminar, sets of which are now available from the Circuit office. In order to meet the CPS requirement, the DVDs must be viewed in a controlled setting organised by chambers, and verified by a nominated overseer (e.g. Senior Clerk). The DVDs will be supplied on request and there will be a charge for each person viewing as follows:

Pupils and New Practitioners No Charge

Under 7 Years' Call £25

7 Years' Call and Over £50

Registration documents will be provided with the DVDs (one register for each disk) which must be returned, signed by all attendees and verified by a nominated overseer, to the Circuit office following each viewing session. These will then be submitted to the CPS to secure the required accreditation and also to the Bar Council for CPD purposes.

If you would like a set of the DVDs, please contact Susan Chisholme at the Circuit office who will arrange for a pack to be supplied. Please indicate at the same time the name of the person who will be responsible for overseeing the viewings within your set.