CPS Prosecution Guidance on Corporate Manslaughter
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the prosecution process for corporate manslaughter as established by the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. It details the definitions, responsibilities, and legal standards required to establish a corporate entity's liability for gross negligence resulting in a death. Key elements include the organization’s duty of care, gross breaches of that duty, and the necessity for senior management involvement in the breach.
Key points
- The offence requires a gross breach of duty of care that causes death.
- Only qualifying organizations can be prosecuted for corporate manslaughter.
- The actions of senior management must substantially contribute to the breach of duty.
- Prosecution requires consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Liability extends to various corporate structures including corporations, partnerships, and government bodies.
- Financial capability of a corporation may affect the decision to prosecute.
Public-interest factors
- Public accountability for serious corporate failings
- Seriousness of the offence and its impact on the community
- Evidence of systemic failings in management
- Historical context of safety practices within the organization
- Potential for greater preventative measures in the industry
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.