PPS governance and accountability arrangements
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) was established in June 2005 by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. The Act creates the PPS and defines its statutory duties and commitments and the legislative framework within which it provide its services.
Since the devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly in April 2010, the PPS has been designated as a non-ministerial government department. As a non-ministerial department, the Service prepares its own annual report and resource accounts, in accordance with the guidance set out in the Government Financial Reporting Manual and other guidance as directed by the Department of Finance and Personnel. Funding for the PPS is provided by the Northern Ireland Assembly and, as Accounting Officer for the Service, the Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for ensuring that the public monies provided are used efficiently and effectively.
In May 2010 John Larkin QC was appointed as the Attorney General for Northern Ireland, as part of the devolved justice arrangements. Mr Larkin was succeeded by Dame Brenda King DCB as Attorney General for Northern Ireland in August 2020. The 2002 Act provides for the Director and Attorney General to consult with each other from time to time on any matter for which the Attorney General is accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly. However in accordance with Section 42(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 the functions of the Director are exercised by him independently of any other person.
The PPS is committed to high standards in corporate governance. The policy of the PPS is to ensure that effective governance arrangements are maintained which serve to improve the quality of decision making and the ability to deliver on strategic and operational objectives.
Corporate Governance Framework
The PPS Corporate Governance Framework provides information on the system of direction and control within the Service and confirms the scope of the Service’s corporate governance arrangements, which have been established to ensure proper and effective management of the Service’s affairs.
This guidance is intended to be a ‘living document’ which will evolve as the Service’s corporate governance arrangements develop. It will therefore be kept under continuing review. It will be formally reviewed at least once a year by the Management Board.
Click the link to read the PPS Corporate Governance Framework.
Audit and Risk Terms of reference
You can also read the PPS Audit and Risk Committee Terms Of Reference by clicking the link.Policies
You can read the various named corporate policies at the links below
- Anti-Fraud Policy and Fraud Response Plan
- Risk Management Policy
- PPS Whistleblowing Policy
- Guidance on the acceptance and provision of gifts and hospitality
PPS Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
The Bribery Act 2010 came into effect on 1 July 2011. The Act modernises the law on bribery and seeks to provide a revised framework of offences to combat bribery in the public and private sectors. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is committed to ensuring that it has policies and procedures in place which impose a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption.
This policy applies to all individual members of staff, working at all levels and grades within the PPS and includes external people acting on behalf of PPS (for example Non-Executive Board Members, staff on secondment to and from the PPS, consultants, contracted staff, or any other person associated with the Service). Read the PPS Antri-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
Gifts and Hospitality Register
PPS Gifts and Hospitality Registers can be read by clicking the link.
Register of Interests
The PPS Register of Interests can be read by clicking the link.