Case Review Manager

Sometimes things go wrong. At the CCRC we help to put them right.

We are the independent public body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. It is down to us to tackle complex issues across a broad range of criminal cases. We have dealt with some of the most serious miscarriages of justice of the last 50 years.

This is your opportunity to play a part in this essential, often life-changing work.

At the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), we work in the interests of justice, and we are wholly independent. We do not represent the police, prosecution, court, or government. We do not represent the person applying for a review of their case. Staying independent helps us investigate alleged miscarriages of justice objectively and impartially.

We have unique statutory powers that allow us to obtain any material in the possession or control of a public body, including sensitive material like medical or intelligence records. Not only that, but we are empowered to form a complete picture of a case from start to finish, and we are the only people who can send a case back to court for a second or subsequent appeal.

For more information about the work we do, please click here

From time to time, a criminal case ends with a wrongful conviction or sentence – there might not have been a crime at all, the wrong person might have been convicted, or the process might have failed so significantly that the conviction is unsafe. Can you find the crucial new evidence or argument that changes things and enables us to send the case back for an appeal?

We have a number of exciting opportunities within the CCRC. Case Review Managers are responsible for analysing and investigating suspected miscarriages of justice. They manage a demanding portfolio of complex criminal cases and draft reasoned recommendations whether to refer a case for a fresh appeal.

The role is intellectually challenging. Case Review Managers need to be analytical, articulate, resilient and proactive. You must be able to juggle competing priorities, planning your work to ensure each case is investigated properly and takes no longer than reasonably necessary to reach a reliable conclusion.

In return, we offer you a unique and independent perspective on the criminal justice system and criminal cases.

As a Case Review Manager you need to see the case from all sides – you must be objective and impartial. You will have the opportunity to examine material from the police, the prosecution, the courts and the defence, as well as records from prisons, the NHS and local authorities. Sometimes you will need to interview applicants and witnesses or instruct experts in a range of forensic and scientific disciplines. At other times you will be dealing with emerging developments in the criminal law.

Our Case Review Managers come from a range of backgrounds – law, policing, forensic science, trading standards, journalism, fire safety – and are based throughout the UK. They work from home, using the latest IT to stay connected and to learn from and support each other.

Key responsibilities to include, but is not limited to:

• Managing a challenging portfolio of complex criminal cases with competing deadlines and priorities, ensuring regular progress of all cases.
• Planning and leading the thorough and timely analysis, investigation and review of criminal convictions and sentences, most of which relate to serious offences prosecuted on indictment in the Crown Courts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Requiring and reviewing documents and other material from public and private bodies, including investigation, prosecution, court and defence files and highly sensitive and confidential material such as medical records or intelligence.
• Applying the law and making objective, evidence-based and well-reasoned recommendations to Commissioners as to whether cases should be referred to the appropriate appeal court.
• Drafting accurate, clear and concise Statements of Reasons for decisions whether to refer a case for an appeal, taking account of the communication needs of diverse recipients including unrepresented applicants and the Court of Appeal.
• Communicating effectively with applicants, other stakeholders and colleagues in a remote-working environment.

Does this sound like the role for you?

Essential criteria:

• Comprehensive experience of leading complex legal or investigative cases, managing multiple lines of enquiry and different cases with competing deadlines. and conflicting priorities.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills and experience of researching and analysing complex legal, factual and evidential issues and data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, reflecting the need to communicate effectively with applicants, their representatives, members of the public and senior figures in the criminal justice system.
• Competency in the use of up-to-date IT equipment and packages.
• Ability to operate effectively in a remote working environment.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working within the criminal justice system and/or a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

We offer a wide range of benefits, including flexible working options. You can also look forward to:

• A Civil Service pension - this will see us making a significant contribution to your pension fund
• 29 days' annual leave allowance (pro rata), in addition to eight statutory bank holidays and special leave allowance for your birthday
• Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is in excess of the statutory minimum
• We have flexible working patterns, including access to a flexible working scheme;
• We also operate a flexi time system which means you can build up to two additional days off per month
• Remote working (anywhere in the UK) - we will supply a chair, monitor and all the kit you need to work from home comfortably and safely
• Reimbursement for any travel, subsistence, and expenses
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Access to retail discounts and a cashback site
• Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests and a contribution towards lenses or spectacles for VDU users

To find out more and apply, please visit our website.

Job contact :

Name :
CCRC HR Team
Email :
hr@ccrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

Email :
hr@ccrc.gov.uk