Disclosure Manual: Chapter 29 - Large Scale Case Administration
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 protocols for managing large-scale cases within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It emphasizes the importance of efficient case management, the necessity for proper disclosure documentation, and the early engagement of prosecutors with investigators. It also highlights best practices for maintaining comprehensive records of disclosure decisions and ensuring collaboration among multiple agencies involved in complex investigations.
Key points
- Prosecution Strategy and Disclosure Management Documents are mandatory for serious cases.
- Early prosecutor-investigator engagement is vital for addressing potential disclosure issues.
- Multi-agency agreements should clarify roles and strategies for material retention.
- Sensitive material handling must be addressed from the start of a case.
- A clear record of disclosure decisions must be maintained throughout the trial process.
- Disclosures may need to be phased due to the complexity of large cases.
Public-interest factors
- Efficient handling of complex cases benefits the criminal justice system.
- Early resolution of cases reduces anxiety for all parties involved.
- Maintaining public confidence in the judicial process is crucial.
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.