Disclosure Manual: Annex C - Sensitive Material - Additional Guidance
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 protocols for making Public Interest Immunity (PII) applications in the context of disclosing sensitive material in criminal proceedings. It encompasses the arrangement of applications, the responsibilities for preparing them, and detailed requirements for writing them. Additionally, it provides procedures for the PII hearing and emphasizes the need for meticulous adherence to legal standards to maintain the confidence of the court.
Key points
- Prosecutors must submit written applications for PII to the court.
- Applications must include case details and satisfy legal requirements.
- Different types of PII applications exist depending on disclosure sensitivity.
- The CPS and police must ensure proper protocol is followed to protect confidentiality.
- Written applications need to be prepared by designated legal professionals and endorsed appropriately.
- Bundles for judges should emphasize the sensitivity of the material.
Public-interest factors
- Sensitivity of the material
- Risk of serious prejudice to public interest
- Requirement for confidentiality
- Integrity of the judicial process
- Evaluation of competing public interests
- Legal standards compliance
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.