Referrals, approvals and notifications
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 referrals, approvals, and notifications within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It details the types of cases requiring referral to specific units, such as the Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID) and Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division (SCCTD), as well as the necessary approval processes for prosecutorial decisions. This ensures that cases are handled by appropriately skilled prosecutors and that vital decisions are communicated effectively within the CPS.
Key points
- Referral is essential for complex and sensitive cases.
- Approval must be secured from designated CPS officials for significant decisions.
- Specialist units like SEOCID and SCCTD handle specific crime types.
- Notification of certain decisions is mandatory, particularly those involving high public interest.
- Expertise is crucial for managing sensitive or complex cases.
- Compliance with referral criteria ensures competent case management.
Public-interest factors
- Protecting the public from serious crimes
- Ensuring fair and impartial justice
- Safeguarding vulnerable victims
- Maintaining public confidence in prosecutions
- Addressing serious threats to national security
- Promoting accountability for public officials
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.