Procurator Fiscal Depute National

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Scotland’s only prosecution service. We receive reports about crimes from the police and other reporting agencies and then decide what action to take, including whether to prosecute someone. We also look into deaths that need further explanation and investigate allegations of criminal conduct against police officers.
COPFS plays a pivotal part in the justice system, working with others to make Scotland safe from crime, disorder and danger. The public interest is at the heart of all we do as independent prosecutors. We take into account the diverse needs of victims, witnesses, communities and the rights of those accused of crime. We support the Strategy for Justice in Scotland and, in particular, its priorities of:
+ Reducing crime, particularly violent and serious organised crime
+ Tackling hate crime and sectarianism
+ Supporting victims and witnesses
+ Increasing public confidence and reducing fear of crime, As a Procurator Fiscal Depute you will play a key role in the criminal justice system. You will take decisions on criminal proceedings, conduct courts and work closely with the police and other criminal justice partners to improve the efficient delivery of justice for local communities.
This is demanding role, acting in the public interest as one of the Lord Advocate’s local representatives, requiring common sense, flexibility, good advocacy skills and a sound knowledge of the criminal law system in Scotland. Whilst there may be an opportunity to undertake a variety of duties within COPFS, the main essence of the role is to prepare and present cases effectively in court and deal sensitively and appropriately with victims and witnesses.
You must be passionate about serving the public interest at all times; confident in making complex decisions, based on independent assessment of all the available evidence; and enthusiastic about meeting the needs of victims and witnesses.
The job title is applicable to a range of posts within the Service. These posts are characterised by similar skill requirements and job weights. Broadly, such posts could include the following responsibilities:
Non Court Legal Duties
+ Marking of criminal reports
+ Court preparation
+ Drafting charges and legal documents
+ Dealing with appeals
+ Caseload management
+ Consultation with witnesses
+ Preparation of reports to Crown Counsel
Court Related Duties
+ Preparation for and conduct of criminal courts
Dealing with issues relating to victims, witnesses, other relevant parties and obtaining of evidence
Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role, COPFS follow the Civil Service approach to competency-based recruitment. This means that the Selection Panel will be looking for specific examples of how you have met the competencies you will be assessed against, in line with the Person Specification and Essential Criteria of the role.
Where an initial sift is required you will be assessed against the specific essential criteria as listed above.
Where a post attracts more applicants than can reasonably be handled at interview, applications may be “sifted” and a shortlist produced.
Each candidate will only be assessed once at each appropriate stage. To ensure sufficient candidate numbers can be considered for all areas of Scotland assessments will be grouped by ‘Sheriffdom’ as defined in the Location Preference form. The ‘Sheriffdom’ that your first location preference belongs to will be used to define the assessment pool you are part of. For example; if Edinburgh is your top preference you will be assessed with all candidates interested in Lothians & Borders offices.

+ Candidates must be a solicitor or advocate qualified to practise in Scotland and hold a practising certificate which is free from conditions which are inconsistent with performing the role and free from any conditions imposed by the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal or the Court by the end of December 2024., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £57,701, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service contributes £16,715 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:
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o 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
o Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 28.97% of your pay
o Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work.
o Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
o Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.