Disclosure Manual: Chapter 11 – Revelation to the prosecutor
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 prosecution guidance outlines the procedures for disclosing unused material to prosecutors in criminal cases. It emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate schedules of material, especially when a not guilty plea is anticipated. Prosecutors are instructed to examine the schedules for completeness and relevance, ensuring adherence to legal standards for disclosure. The guidance addresses the handling of sensitive material and details the record-keeping requirements to facilitate transparent disclosure processes.
Key points
- Prosecutors must receive unused material schedules early for thorough case reviews.
- Timing of material revelation must align with the Attorney General’s Guidelines.
- Disclosure schedules must be checked for omissions and returned for corrections if inadequate.
- Failure to supply correct materials could impede charging decisions.
- The Disclosure Record Sheet (DRS) must chronicle all actions related to disclosure.
Public-interest factors
- Transparency in disclosure processes
- Supporting fair trial rights
- Ensuring accountability in prosecution decisions
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.