Working at the Commission

PROFILES

We’re not trying to paint an unrealistic picture of the Commission as a perfect place to work!  Our structure certainly gives you a great deal of autonomy and support, but there is also a demand for self-discipline, initiative and determination.  And the desire to see cases through to completion.

The ultimate testimonial comes from our staff. When we canvassed their views, the consensus of opinion was that this is an organisation where you feel you are making the very best of your education and experience, as well as playing an enormously valuable role in society.

The following profiles of our staff will, we hope, demonstrate what it is really like to work at the Commission.

Beth - Case Review Manager

After taking a Psychology degree, Beth took a Masters degree in Criminology at the University of Leicester’s Scarman Centre for Public Order.  She was writing up a PhD in Criminal Justice when she joined the Commission in March 2002, which she completed in 2005.

What attracted you to work for the Commission?

Having studied criminology and criminal justice, I was well aware of the Commission and the nature of its work. They were top of my list of places to work, so when I saw an advertisement in 2001, I jumped at the chance to join the Commission – especially since they were understanding about my desire to complete my PhD.

Is there a typical day?

Not really. You can spend a high proportion of your time reading the core documents surrounding a case either scanned onto our computer systems or as hard copies. Depending on what stage a case is at you may be issuing a section 17 to request documents from the Court of Appeal, the CPS, the Courts or perhaps Social Services. You could be investigating particular issues raised by applicants, deciding whether or not an issue is relevant to the case, whether it opens up new evidence.

What is your favourite aspect of the job?

I like the variety. Every case is so different; you don’t know what you will be working on next. I also derive satisfaction from being trusted to get on with cases. It gives you enormous confidence.

How valuable is the experience you're gaining?

As a first job, this is an excellent stepping stone. You have to want to learn. Most Case Review Managers do and can acquire a wealth of knowledge of the criminal justice system. The caseworking skills you learn are also immensely valuable.

Caroline - Casework Administrator

Caroline joined the Commission when it was first set up and was heavily involved in establishing the operational procedures of the organisation.  Caroline initially provided administrative support to seven Case Review Managers and now works in a team of Administrators in Stage One, which is responsible for all new applications that come to the Commission.  This involves carrying out the preparations for each case for a detailed review by a Case Review Manager.

Is there a typical day?

There is no such thing as a typical day at the Commission.  The variety of cases that arrive at the Commission, communication with a variety of public and private bodies, the knowledge and experience of the other Commission staff and the direct contact with the applicants ensures that every day is varied and interesting.  In addition to our day to day work we also have the opportunity to get involved with projects, for example I have been involved with groups looking at business process changes, testing new information technology systems and continuous improvement projects.

What is your favourite aspect of the job?

I like the structure that the Commission has, where the team is able to work on its own initiative.  If the team think that a procedure would work better in a different way, then we are able to make minor changes and our suggestions for more significant changes are always welcomed.  The variety of work also plays a big part in my enjoyment of work, along with the flexible, ‘family-like’ culture and the attractive terms and conditions of employment.

Frank - Casework Administrator

Frank worked in Local Government for over 30 years.  He then had spells as a civilian employee in the West Midlands Police Force and as a solicitor’s clerk before joining the Commission in 2000.

What attracted you to the Commission?

As a solicitor’s clerk, I’d sat behind defence barristers keeping notes during a very large drugs trial.  I found the whole process fascinating and was particularly impressed by the measures that the Trial Judge, Prosecution and Defence employed to ensure that the defendants received a fair trial.

In my time in the West Midlands Police, I’d seen how a case was prepared for Court.  Again, I was impressed by the rigorous methods used in prosecuting a case.  Whilst it was obviously important to victims, and society in general, that offenders were brought to justice, it seemed to me that the Police and Crown Prosecution Service were equally meticulous in their treatment of alleged offenders.

Given my experience, I was intrigued by the Commission’s role in investigating alleged miscarriages of justice.  I was aware of high profile cases, but did not realise the extent of the number of allegations of miscarriages made annually.  I saw the Commission as the only way in which such matters could be investigated and referred back to the courts.

Do you need to have worked in the criminal justice system before?

The short answer is no, although it obviously helps to have done so.  Caseworking staff and Commissioners carry out most of the investigative duties.  However, they rely on an infrastructure of sound administrative support.  Good organisational skills are vital, as is a high degree of self-motivation, given the Commission’s supportive environment.

Training is provided in all areas, as are visits to other parts of the criminal justice system, such as Courts.  A colleague will always take time to offer advice or help and the Commission’s excellent IT system helps to maintain an ideal working environment.

Yvonne - Casework Administrator

Before joining the Commission Yvonne worked as an Office Manager for a small, private non-legal company. She studied with the Open University for 3 years and gained a Diploma in Applied Social Sciences.  During this time she developed an interest in criminal law and decided to start studying, part-time, with ILEX and to look for a job within a criminal law environment. 

Is there a typical day?

I don’t believe there is such a thing as a typical day at the Commission.  There is so much variety.  My duties range from general admin work to more specific case-related tasks.  On any given day I may be indexing documents, filing or liaising with one of the many public bodies that we deal with.  On the other hand, I may be diving into boxes of papers with specific questions in mind, carrying out legal research or discussing a case with one of the Case Review Managers who I support.  On occasion I have also had the opportunity to visit other public bodies, with a Case Review Manager, to view case papers on-site.

Do you need to have worked within the criminal justice system before?

I do not have a legal background.  Although I had been studying with ILEX prior to starting work with the Commission, having legal qualifications was not necessary for me to apply for my current role.  However, I do have a particular interest in criminal law and working here is the ideal job for me.  I have been able to transfer my existing administrative skills, complete my studies and am working in a job that interests me, which is obviously very important.

Miles – Case Review Manager

After studying Law at the University of Leeds, Miles completed the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) in London. He then worked as an advocate at immigration appeal hearings for three years, before joining the Commission in 2005. 

Do you need to have worked in the criminal justice system before?

No, this is not essential. I had studied criminal law during my law degree and BVC, but I had never worked in the criminal justice system before joining the Commission. If I wish to discuss a specific criminal law issue which has arisen in my casework here, then there are excellent legal and investigations advisors on hand. Discussing issues in this way is encouraged.   

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

Working as a Case Review Manager at the Commission is a fascinating experience. Many of the cases that we deal with involve very serious offences such as murder and rape. The Case Review Manager role also involves grappling with complex issues on a daily basis, which is intellectually stimulating. My favourite aspect of the work here is the variety of issues that are encountered in the course of casework. I always wanted to have a job where I was constantly learning new things and this is exactly what life as a Case Review Manager is like. On a Monday I might be learning about the science of DNA profiling; on the Tuesday I might be learning about police procedure with regard to registered informants; and on the Wednesday I could be researching neurological injuries to children in ‘shaken baby’ cases.  

What are the most challenging aspects of the job?

A high percentage of the cases that we deal with involve sexual offences. Many involve intra-family sexual abuse. These kinds of cases can be very disturbing to deal with, but it is important that the Case Review Manager remains objective and professional when reviewing them. Dealing with applicants can also be challenging, as we need to assure them that their cases are being taken seriously and are being carefully considered, but we also need to remain objective and to avoid raising expectations unrealistically. 

How do you find the culture?

There are many exceptionally bright people at the Commission who are very passionate about the work that they do. This makes for a stimulating working atmosphere. Colleagues are always willing to discuss ideas with me; and the fact that they come from various different working backgrounds means that they can provide new perspectives on the cases that I am working on.  I also find the Commission to be a very friendly place to work, which is obviously important for job satisfaction.  

Celia – Case Review Manager

Celia qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and worked in private practice, dealing mostly with civil litigation, for 16 years.  She worked at the Law Society, in the Regulation Unit, dealing mostly with forensic investigation reports and regulatory breaches by solicitors’ practices for just over a year before joining the Commission in 2005.

Do you need to have worked in the criminal justice system before?

I had not worked in the criminal justice system for over 15 years when I started this job. Consequently my knowledge of criminal law and procedure was in need of updating! The Commission provides extensive training for new Case Review Managers and I found that it was my experience of analysing evidence in dealing with all types of litigation in private practice that was the most helpful skill to have. We are often presented with vast amounts of material and it is essential to have the ability to draw out the key points in a case which will not necessarily have been identified by an applicant or their representative.

What is the most rewarding aspect of the role?

For me the most rewarding part of my job is feeling that I have carried out a thorough investigation and then analysed the results of that, to give the Commissioners sufficient basis upon which to be able make a decision as to whether to refer a case back to the Court of Appeal. Sometimes the applicants have been waiting for some considerable time for their review to be dealt with and, in every case we deal with, especially where it is not referred, it is important that we show that we have properly considered and/or investigated the issues that they raise.

What are the most challenging aspects of the job?

It is quite possible that, even after working at the Commission for sometime, you may not have dealt with a case resulting in a referral to the Court of Appeal. The test applied for referrals is a stringent one because of the framework within which we have to work which can be frustrating for our applicants. Dealing with applicants, especially in such circumstances, can be difficult, particularly when there are issues they wish to be reviewed which we cannot consider because of our statutory limitations.

How do you find the culture?

I have worked in quite rigid team structures in previous jobs and so the extent of the autonomy we have in terms of how many cases we take and how we deal with the investigation is a pleasant change for me. Also, colleagues at all levels are generally very helpful and, since we deal with such a variety of cases, there is a wealth of experience and support to draw on.

Jennie – Case Review Manager

After reading law at Southampton University, Jennie lectured in law for a number of years before working for Essex Police prosecutions department. She has been with the Commission for 3 years.

Why did you want to work for the Commission?

I was lecturing on the criminal justice system when concerns regarding the handling of miscarriages of justice led to proposals for reform.  I subsequently had to change my lecture notes when the Commission came into being ten years ago!  I followed its progress, the early referrals and analysis of its achievements with interest.  A few years later my interest became more than academic - working for the police gave me practical experience of the difficulties in maintaining a fair, thorough and objective prosecution.  However good a criminal justice system is, things can, and do, go wrong.  When the opportunity to work at the Commission arose, I leapt at the chance to be part of what I consider a vital safety net.

What is the most interesting aspect of being a Case Review Manager?

The variety.  Applications to the Commission involve criminal offences at both ends of the spectrum and all shades in between.  The high profile cases are not necessarily representative of the majority.  Yes, I have reviewed convictions for double murders, rapes and serious child sex offences but my case load has also included animal cruelty, common assault and theft.  A criminal conviction, however minor the charge may sound, is a serious matter and can have long term consequences.

Because the caseload is so varied, the work undertaken differs from case to case.  The majority of my reviews have been office based, but whereas one application may involve detailed analysis of a legal issue, another may require reading and assessing considerable amounts of documentation from bodies such as social services or police.  I have also had occasion to interview applicants and potential witnesses as well as visit police stations and prisons to obtain relevant information.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a Case Review Manager?

The variety!  Even after being here three years, when I am allocated a new case it can present issues and lines of inquiry that I am unfamiliar with. Fortunately we have in-house legal and investigation advisers, and a wealth of experienced Case Review Managers: the Commission actively encourages the sharing of knowledge.

The amount of information that has to be assimilated and retained can be daunting, particularly when a case can take months, sometimes years, to reach a conclusion.  Managing several long term cases at the same time is demanding but ultimately rewarding.

Occasionally, applicants may be hostile.  Sometimes, the evidence is deeply unpleasant.  I was at least prepared for this as I had worked for the police.  However these more trying aspects of the work tend to be the exception, not the rule.  And there is invariably someone at the Commission who has had similar problems and who will share their experience with you.

Has the role of Case Review Manager fulfilled your expectations?

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what I expected on a day to day basis.  What I encountered was remarkable: an environment where I felt I was given adequate time to carry out a justified in depth review of relevant matters, and where my contribution and opinions on individual cases were consistently valued.

I did not expect the friendly, family-like, environment either.  It is true that the Commission is a much bigger organisation now than in the early years: there have been many changes.  However, there is still a special feel about working here.  I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that my colleagues genuinely believe in the value of the Commission’s work.

What I can say is that I have a real sense of job satisfaction - I find the role of Case Review Manager stimulating, interesting and rewarding.  I consider myself incredibly privileged to be working for an organisation that has so quickly become an indispensable part of the criminal justice system.

Ian – Facilities Administrator

Before working at the Commission, Ian worked at a financial services institution in a variety of support roles after finishing university, settling on the role of facilities.

Is there a typical day?

Facilities is typically a function with a varied workload, and for the Commission’s small Facilities team it is no different.  My day can involve dealing with anything from a major breakdown of the heating and ventilation system, to helping someone sort out a problem with their telephone.  I get involved in all areas of facilities, and, as well as the day to day tasks, I am often involved in projects that can be looking at anything from seating arrangements to security issues.

Do you get involved with other areas of the Commission?

I often cover Reception, taking calls from applicants and their representatives, so I need to know about the Commission’s caseworking procedures so I can direct calls to the right person.  From time to time I also sit in on working groups looking at other areas.  Even when I am not directly involved in a project I am kept updated of what’s going on through regular staff briefings.

What is the Commission like as an employer?

The Commission takes employee welfare very seriously – more so than any of my previous employers.  Health and safety and regular eye tests, as we all use computers a lot, are very important.

There is also a lot of flexibility here, which everyone benefits from.