LEGAL TRAINEESHIP APPLICATION PACK - copfs
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LEGAL TRAINEESHIP APPLICATION PACK
INTRODUCTION
This guide is to inform you about our Legal
Traineeship and help you through the recruitment
process to become a Trainee Solicitor with
COPFS. It is recommended that you read this Questions?
carefully as there are helpful hints and tips.
If you have any further questions or
It is for information only and does not form part of require the application pack in an
the service’s conditions of employment. alternative format, you can contact:
Recruitment@copfs.gov.uk
0300 020 3218 or 3874
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
CONTENTS
The
The
The offer assessment
application
process
Timescales Post interview
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
ABOUT COPFS
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service The public interest is at the heart of all we do as
is Scotland’s prosecution service. We receive independent prosecutors. We take into account
reports about crimes from the police and other the diverse needs of victims, witnesses,
reporting agencies and then decide what action communities and the rights of those accused of
to take, including whether to prosecute crime. We support the Strategy for Justice in
someone. We also look into deaths that need Scotland and, in particular, its priorities of:
further explanation and investigate allegations of • Reducing crime, particularly violent and
criminal conduct against police officers. serious organised crime
• Tackling hate crime and sectarianism
COPFS plays a pivotal part in the justice system, • Supporting victims and witnesses
working with others to make Scotland safe from • Increasing public confidence and reducing
crime, disorder and danger. fear of crime
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEOUR VALUES
Our values are:
• Being professional
• Showing respect
“ As the largest employer of lawyers in Scotland, COPFS is
committed to its traineeship programme and to providing a unique
opportunity to contribute to the crucial service COPFS provides to
the people of Scotland. Our trainees are highly valued members of
staff who, with support and structured learning, contribute to the
investigation and conduct of cases in court with skill and expertise
and are trusted with a high level of responsibility. We have a long
tradition of recruiting quality trainees. Indeed, many former trainees
have gone on to leading roles in the organisation and
elsewhere. Undertaking a traineeship with COPFS provides an
outstanding opportunity to build a successful career in the legal
profession.
David Harvie
Crown Agent
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBJECTIVES
The main roles and responsibilities of Our key objectives are:
COPFS are to:
• investigate, prosecute and disrupt crime, • to secure the confidence of our diverse
including seizing the proceeds of crime communities by improving the delivery of
• establish the cause of sudden, unexplained justice through the timely, efficient and
or suspicious deaths effective prosecution of crime
• investigate allegations of criminal conduct • to give priority to the prosecution of serious
against police officers. crime, including drugs trafficking and
persistent offenders
Our aim is to meet the Law Officers’ strategic • to provide services that meet the information
priority of achieving operational effectiveness in needs of victims, witnesses and next-of-kin,
all cases. in co-operation with other agencies
• to ensure that all deaths reported to the
Procurator Fiscal are investigated
appropriately and speedily
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE OFFER SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
COPFS are offering a number of legal trainee COPFS employees receive an annual leave
posts with anticipated start dates commencing allowance of 25 days and an additional 11.5
in: public and privilege holidays per year.
• March 2020
• March 2021 COPFS also operate within the Civil Service
• September 2021 employer pension arrangements. Full details
Appointments will be offered on merit to the top are available via
performing candidates. www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
Trainee Solicitors will receive a salary of £20,045
for their first year of training and £23, 250 for
“
their second year.
Positions are full time with a 37 hour working No matter what I’m doing – from the
week, excluding lunch breaks. Flexible working smallest, unseen task to the bigger
arrangements are also in operation. tasks – I am working with the public
interest in mind.
Karima Stewart
Trainee Solicitor 2019
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE TRAINEESHIP
During the course of the traineeship you will • Initial Case Processing Unit (Paisley, Falkirk
undertake placements at Crown Office, and Hamilton Procurator Fiscals’ offices)
Edinburgh and Procurator Fiscals’ offices • High Court, Glasgow
throughout Scotland. • High Court, Edinburgh.
• Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit
In the first year of the traineeship the
placements may be in:
In the second year of the traineeship you will
• High Court Unit (Crown Office) prepare and present cases for prosecution in
• Appeals Unit (Crown Office) the Justice of the Peace Court and Sheriff
• Policy and Engagement Division (Crown Summary Court in offices throughout Scotland.
Office)
• International Co-operation Unit (Edinburgh The above is not exhaustive and the locations
Procurator Fiscal’s Office and The Hague) and business placements may be amended as
• Civil Recovery Unit (Edinburgh required which may include secondments to
Procurator Fiscal’s Office) other government departments.
• Serious and Organised Crime Unit
(Edinburgh Procurator Fiscal’s Office)
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS OF POST
Applicants will be required to have the following Throughout the duration of the traineeship
completed prior to the traineeship start date: successful candidates will be required to work in
multiple locations on rotation, which may include
• a Scots Law LLB (or an equivalent Honours placements in the North of Scotland.
Degree in other subjects, combined with a
degree in Scots Law) Suitability for the job will be the determining
• a valid diploma in Legal Practice obtained factor for selection. There are no age limits.
from a Scottish university
• an Entrance Certificate from the Law Society
of Scotland
“ I have worked in the Proceeds of
Crime Unit, Policy, Appeals and done
High Court noting. I have learned a lot
about different units in COPFS, and
learned a lot about myself!
Carol Doherty
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE Trainee Solicitor 2019THE APPLICATION SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
THE COMPETENCY BASED APPROACH
COPFS follow a competency based recruitment
approach.
This approach allows the panel to assess a Situation
candidates past behaviours as a prediction of
future behaviours. This means the panel will be
looking for real life examples of how you have
met the competencies which you will be
assessed against. These can be found on the
next page. Result Task
We recommend you follow the ‘STAR’ (Situation,
Task, Action, Result) method to present your
answers.
Action
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE COMPETENCY BASED APPROACH
General answers of what you might do in a Although the competencies and specific
situation will not suffice. You will need to ensure indicators which you will be assessed against
that the examples given in your application form are on the next page of this guide, the full
are concise and meet with the recommended competency framework is available to download
word count of 250 words per competency. as part of your application pack. It is
Answers in excess of 300 words will not be recommended you download this and carefully
assessed beyond this count, and this will likely read through all aspects of the framework to
affect your score. gain a fuller understanding of the competencies.
Full guidance regarding your application can be
found within the Candidates Guide to
Competency Based Recruitment section of the
application pack.
“ It’s a great team work atmosphere,
working along side professional and
experienced individuals.
Sobia Haniff-kid
Trainee Solicitor 2019
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE ASSESSMENT PROCESS SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
THE SIFT
Applications received will be subject to a formal In addition to the competency assessment, you
sift and will be scored using the 3 point marking will also be asked to submit evidence against the
scale contained within the Candidates Guide. following category:
Whilst all competencies, as indicated within the • Motivated by Work of COPFS
Competency Framework, are relevant to the
role, for the purposes on your application you This category will also be marked by the panel.
are asked to submit evidence against the
following :
• Making Effective Decisions (Level 3)
• Collaborating and Partnering (Level 2)
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE INTERVIEW
Your judgement, competence and suitability for In addition to the competencies, you will also be
the Traineeship will be further assessed at required to make a presentation, the topic of
interview. which will be given to you in reasonable time
beforehand and will be asses under the
At interview you will be asked questions in competency of Leading and Communicating
relation to the following competencies: (Level 2).
• Making Effective Decisions (Level 3) Guidance as to how your presentation will be
• Collaborating and Partnering (Level 2) assessed will be communicated along with any
• Delivering at Pace (Level 2) invitation to interview.
The same 3 point scale used at sift will also be
used when scoring candidates at interview.
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEFURTHER ASSESSMENT
You may also be subject to further assessment
to test appropriate knowledge and skill. This
assessment may include a submission of a
piece of written work prior to the interview, or
completion of an online assessment.
You will be given reasonable notice and access
to necessary materials in advance.
“ Ever since I started the LLB, I knew I
wanted to be a prosecution lawyer. I
worked for numerous defense firms
which, while excellent experience, only
strengthened my desire to work in
prosecution.
Michael Dunlop
Trainee Solicitor 2019
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICECOMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
Making Effective Decisions (Level 3) Collaborating and Partnering (Level 2)
• Identify a range of relevant and credible • Demonstrate interest in others and develop a
information sources and recognise the need range of contacts outside own team to help
to collect new data when necessary from get the job done
internal and external sources • Proactively seek information, resources and
• Recognise patterns and trends in a wide support from others outside own immediate
range of evidence/ data and draw key team in order to help achieve results
conclusions • Readily identify opportunities to share
• Recognise scope of own authority for knowledge, information and learning and
decision making and empower team make progress by working with colleagues
members to make decisions
• Invite challenge and where appropriate
involve others in decision making to help
build engagement and present robust
recommendations
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICECOMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
Delivering at Pace (Level 2) Leading and Communicating (Level 2)
• Create regular reviews of what and who is • Display enthusiasm around goals and
required to make a project/ activity successful activities – adopting a positive approach
and make ongoing improvements when interacting with others
• Be interested and positive about what they • Listen to, understand, respect and accept the
and the team and trying to achieve value of different views, ideas and ways of
• Take ownership of problems in their own area working
of responsibility • Express ideas effectively, both orally and in
• Remain positive and focused on achieving writing, and with sensitivity and respect for
outcomes despite setbacks others
• Set and achieve challenging goals and • Confidently handle challenging conversations
monitor quality or interviews
• Confront and deal promptly with inappropriate
language or behaviours, including bullying,
harassment or discrimination
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEOTHER EVIDENCE
Motivated by work of COPFS
• Demonstrable interest in law, in particular the
area of criminal prosecution and be motivated
by public service
• Demonstrates a knowledge and
understanding of the work of COPFS and its
role in the wider Criminal Justice System
• A strong focus on continuous learning and the
ability to apply knowledge of criminal law
gained from study and experience
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETIMESCALES SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
Please note the scheduled timetable, you should Date Action Location
be aware however that all dates are subject to
change. 6th September Advert closes COPFS Website,
2019 at 5pm Stonewall, Scottish
Universities, Law
Should you be unavailable for any of the
Society of Scotland, s1
selection stages then please notify us of the
jobs
reasons why as soon as possible. Given the
timeframes involved there is no guarantee we W/C 7th October Results to be N/A
will be able to accommodate you however we issued for sift
will do what we can to help wherever possible.
Starting 21st Competency Glasgow/Edinburgh
October 2019 for based
6 weeks interviews
W/C 2nd Interview N/A
November results
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEPOST INTERVIEW SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICE
FEEDBACK
Due to the large volumes of applications
anticipated, feedback shall only be provided for
applicants who have reached the interview
stage.
Following interview, copies of scoring and any
rating forms completed can be requested via
COPFSTraineeship@copfs.gov.uk
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEGENERAL PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Should you be successful in your application you will be • Health – prior to appointment, trainees will undergo
recommended for appointment subject to our standard a pre employment health assessment through our
pre recruitment checks. These include: Occupational Health provider.
• Identity – you will be asked to provide evidence of Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced
your identity if invited to interview and potentially at Disclosure check immediately after the interviews and
another time during the recruitment process. again within six months of their expected started date.
• Nationality and Immigration Status – you will be When full checks are satisfactorily completed, a formal
asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and offer of employment will be made.
remain in the UK. Successful candidates will also If you have any queries or concerns about this, please
be required to satisfy the Civil Service Nationality get in touch.
requirements -
www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-
rules Trainee Specific Requirements
• Employment/ Academic History Verification – if Further to the standard pre employment checks, our
you are successful, we will conduct a verification of offer will also be subject to the requirements listed
your 3 year history under Eligibility.
• Criminal History – COPFS has exemptions from
the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This
check will be undertaken through an Enhanced
Disclosure check (of which, COPFS will meet the
expense)
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETAKING DIVERSITY SERIOUSLY
COPFS is proud to maintain an inclusive We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion and Top
workplace and we encourage applications from 100 employer. We also hold the Disability
all backgrounds. Confident employer status from JobCentre Plus.
Our policy is to provide equal opportunities for
employment, career development and promotion Current staff network groups include: Proud in
to all where eligible, on the basis of ability, COPFS, Equality Ambassadors and the Staff
qualifications and suitability for the work. Disability Advisory Group.
“
Selection will be based on fair and open
competition and regardless of gender, race,
disability, sexual orientation, marital status or The part I enjoy the most is exposure
ethnic origin. to different units and being able to
speak and shadow very experienced
Our passion for diversity and equality means staff within the organisation.
that we create a working environment for all Raeesa Ahmed
employees that is welcoming, respectful, Trainee Solicitor 2019
engaging and full of opportunities for COPFS Equality Ambassador for Race, Dyslexia
development – both professionally and personal. & Dyspraxia
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICECANDIDATES DECLARING A DISABILITY
COPFS is committed to valuing diversity and This will be applicable at all stages of
equality of opportunity and participates in the recruitment, i.e. if you do not pass the standard
Disability Confident scheme as awarded by Job required at sift or technical assessment (if
Centre Plus. applicable), you will not proceed to interview.
Under this scheme, all candidates who consider
themselves to be disabled in terms of the
“
Equality Act 2010, and who meet the essential
minimum criteria for the post, will be guaranteed
an interview. The amount of court experience you
receive is invaluable, seeing Advocate
For the purposes of the scheme, the minimum Deputes in action within the High
criteria to quality for interview requires adequate Court has been great.
demonstration of all competences tested and to Brian Young
meet the essential criteria. Trainee Solicitor 2019
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICETHE CIVIL SERVICE CODE
As a Civil Servant, you will be expected to carry
out your role with dedication and a commitment
to the Civil Service and its core values. The
Civil Service Code defines the core values that
you, as a Civil Servant, are expected to work
within and uphold. These core values are:
• Honesty
• Impartiality
• Integrity
• Objectivity
The Code forms part of the terms and conditions
of every Civil Servant. Further information can
be obtained from:
http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/values
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICECIVIL SERVICE RECRUITMENT PRINCIPLES
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Appeals out with these grounds will not be
Service’s recruitment processes are considered. Where any appeal is upheld,
underpinned by the principle of selection for COPFS will take steps to remove the
appointment on merit on the basis of fair and disadvantage or compensate for actual loss I
open competition as outlined in the Civil Service
Commission Recruitment Principles which can If you feel your application has not been treated
be found at in accordance with the Principles and you wish
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/
to make a complaint, you should contact The
Recruitment Manager, Crown Office and
We hope you do not have cause to appeal, Procurator Fiscal Service, Crown Office, 25
however appeals can be submitted in writing, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LA in the
within 5 working days of receiving a result, and first instance. If you are not satisfied with the
can made on the following grounds: response you receive from the Service you can
1. There has been a procedural irregularity that contact the Office of the Civil Service
can be seen to have materially Commission.
disadvantaged the individual candidate
2. There has been an infringement of the
COPFS’ equal opportunities policy causing
real disadvantage
SCOTLAND’S PROSECUTION SERVICEFAQS
I’ve applied before but wasn’t successful. Can I apply again? I have to travel to get to my assessment centre/interview. Can you
Yes, we would be happy to receive your application. Please ensure you read reimburse my costs for assessments?
all supplementary documentation as our processes may have changed from Unfortunately we are unable to meet any expenses you may incur in
the last time you applied. association with this recruitment exercise.
I applied this year using the same answers in my application form from
last year. Last year I got an interview but didn’t this year, why?
Each recruitment exercise is considered separately. The volume and quality
of applications will determine the standard of assessment required each year.
I am out of the country when interviews are taking place. Do I have to
Questions?
attend my interview in person?
In this instance we encourage you to still apply and make us aware of your
circumstances. We will do our best to accommodate you, but this may not
always be possible.
If you have any further questions or
require the application pack in an
What adjustments can be made for candidates with a disability?
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are put in place for
alternative format, you can contact:
candidates to allow a fair and open recruitment process.
Adjustments may include but not restricted to: more time at interview or Recruitment@copfs.gov.uk
assessment, information being provided in a different format, or providing
assistance where possible in making you feel comfortable for interview.
0300 020 3218 or 3874
Should you require any reasonable adjustments, please note this is your
application form or feel free to contact us and discuss.
Do you offer extensions to the deadline date?
Unfortunately not, when the closing date and time passes, we cannot accept
any further applications. This post is very popular and we would recommend to
get your application in well before the closing date where you can.
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