CPS staff launch association to look at racism policyBlack lawyers and other minority Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff are taking concerns over racism in the service into their own hands by launching a National Black Crown Prosecution Association.

The group will be chaired by lay prosecutor Reeva Bell, who has been with the CPS since 1993.

The Attorney General, Lord Williams of Mostyn QC, will host the launch.

Of the 500 or so black and ethnic minority staff employed by the CPS, around 120 have already joined the group which is open to all staff, not just qualified lawyers.

Ms Bell said the group had been set up partly as a result of a number of recent employment tribunal cases.

Last year, senior prosecutor Maria Bamieh had her claim against the CPS for race and sex discrimination upheld.

The group's aims are to inform race policy at the CPS, help advance the careers of black and minority staff and to provide training and mentoring, Ms Bell added.Lord Williams said he was pleased to support the group, which would play an important role in shaping equality policies at the CPS.

Sue Allen