The chief executive of the Crown Prosecution Service has today announced her departure from the organisation.

Rebecca Lawrence, who described the decision as a ‘natural transition point for the CPS’, will continue to offer advice to the director of public prosections during the transition ‘to the next phase for the organisation’.

The announcement follows the settlement of an employment tribunal case in which Lawrence brought claims of discrimination on the grounds of age and sex.

The director of public prosecutions thanked Lawrence for her ‘legacy of skilful caring and compassionare leadership’ during the pandemic and ‘innovation in how we can transform our future service’.

Rebecca Lawrence

Lawrence: 'It has been a privilege to lead this important organisation'

Source: CPS

Lawrence said: ‘This is a natural transition point for the CPS and it has been a privilege to lead this important organisation. I have been inspired every day by the committed and purposeful colleagues at every level who are driven by the cause of justice to give service at what is often the darkest of times for the people we support.

‘I would like to thank all those who have built our partnerships, digital and data systems, and to commend the dedicated professional services teams who work alongside our expert lawyers. CPS colleagues can feel proud of their contribution to improving the performance and understanding of the criminal justice system.

‘I look forward to supporting the new DPP and my successor as they take up the helm of this critical organisation.’