Disclosure Manual: Chapter 20 - Victim Communication and Liaison
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 details the obligations of the CPS under the Victim Communication and Liaison Scheme, focusing on how communications with victims should be handled, particularly regarding disclosure and the treatment of responses from victims or witnesses. It emphasizes the need to maintain records of communications and interactions to ensure compliance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA). The guidance also addresses how victim information may impact the prosecution case and the necessary disclosures to the defence when relevant.
Key points
- Prosecutors must refer to the CPS legal guidance for the Victim Communication and Liaison Scheme.
- VCL letters typically do not fall under unused material definitions of the CPIA.
- Victim responses to VCL communications must be recorded and disclosed as necessary.
- Meetings with victims generally occur post-case conclusion, unless immediate discussion is warranted.
- All contact with potential witnesses must be documented and shared with the disclosure officer.
- Prosecutors are encouraged to follow established guidance on interactions with witnesses.
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.