| 8.1 |
We
looked at how HSE’s systems work in
relation to the collection of casework information.
Current IT systems do not permit the detailed
casework analysis which deliver the performance
indicators required by HSE and Ministers.
There is no single, unified system used
by the Operations Directorate. The FOCUS
system records pending cases and there is
a database on HSE’s web site setting
out penalties, but even this has significant
limitations. We identified the need for
an IT system for England and Wales which
delivered the performance indicators required
by HSE and Ministers. A separate system
will be required in Scotland as cases there
are prosecuted by the Procurator Fiscal.
However both systems will need to be developed
in tandem to ensure that both capture data
in a consistent way to provide the necessary
statistics for the UK as a whole. |
| 8.2 |
The
present system of collecting casework statistics
is based on measuring informations laid
rather than cases. This has the advantage
to HSE of giving the impression that it
prosecutes more cases than it in fact does.
But when informations are either dropped,
withdrawn or a formal acquittal is entered
following a plea to an alternative this
is counted as a ‘loss’. This is
misleading and affects perceived ‘success’
rates. Other prosecution agencies do not
take this approach. The CPS records a conviction
on any one information in relation to a
case against a defendant as a successful
case. The Environment Agency also only treats
cases as a loss when there is an acquittal
on all charges/ informations. |
| 8.3 |
Recording
outcomes in a criminal case is complicated
as there are many possible outcomes; some
informations are dismissed because they
are put in the alternative, others may be
lost because there was insufficient evidence
to support the information laid. A more
sophisticated national case based system
would enable a more meaningful analysis
of case results both at local and national
level, with an indication of the judgement
quality of the prosecutor. It would also
enable effective case tracking so that it
would be a useful practical tool for the
organisation in identifying what stage a
case had reached. The move to a case based
system would give a truer indicator of the
numbers of HSE prosecutions and their outcomes.
Setting up this system would be an important
project for HSE and would need resources
in its own right. |
| 8.4 |
Such a system would also permit HSE to assess
solicitor agents and in-house solicitors
against national performance indicators.
It is linked with our recommendation that
a national prosecution file should be developed.
|
| 8.5 |
Operations
Unit are currently examining the current
and predictable business needs for HSE’s
operational information systems and our
recommendation in this section links in
with this project.
Recommendation: HSE should develop
a single, centralised case-based system
of recording information in relation to
prosecution work. This would provide statistics
and performance indicators both nationally
and locally and would give a more accurate
impression of the outcomes of HSE’s
prosecutions. It would also enable effective
case tracking. A separate system will be
required for Scotland, as the Procurator
Fiscal prosecutes all Scottish cases. |
