We recognise how much courage it takes to not only go through the CPS process at such a difficult time, but also to be willing to share this experience with us.  
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Below is some information about the evaluation and the survey and interview. Please read this information carefully before deciding whether to take part in an interview and / or survey. 
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Crest has been asked by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to independently evaluate the Victim Transformation Programme (VTP). The aim of the VTP is to improve victims’ experience of the CPS and the criminal justice system.
 
We are inviting victims who have been through the CPS process to share their feedback with Crest about how well the CPS is communicating with you. 

 

Your feedback will help us to make recommendations to the CPS about what is working well and how the service may be improved.
 
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the Crest Advisory evaluation team at cps-evaluation@crestadvisory.com.

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Who are we? 

Crest Advisory is an independent crime and justice consultancy based in London. Our work is aimed at improving the criminal justice systems for everyone. We work with partners in the charity sector, the police, local government, and central government to create positive change - impacting both policy and practice. Crest has extensive experience of working with victims and survivors and ensuring that their views and experience are central in research.

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What would we talk about in the interview?

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We would like to hear about your experience of the pre-trial meeting, communication, and support from the CPS to help us understand what is working well and where the CPS could improve, specifically: 

• How the pre-trial meeting impacted how ready and supported you felt for the trial

• How the pre-trial meeting affected your views on the CPS and your engagement with the trial

• Your contact with CPS Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) and whether this has helped you:

  • Understand decisions made in the case

  • Understand the CPS’s role

  • Feel confident in the criminal justice process

  • To feel better and access support.

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The interview will last around one hour and can be online or in-person, as you prefer. We will reimburse travel expenses for in-person interviews.

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You are welcome to bring someone along to the interview for support, but not to speak for you. This could be your ISVA, or an adult family member or friend.

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The interview will not cover any details of your case, and we ask you not to tell us anything about this during the interview. Taking part in the interview will not affect your case if it is ongoing. 
 

Who will know what I have said?

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If you agree, we will record the interview so we hear everything you have to say. Only the Crest project team will hear the recording and see your interview notes.  We will delete your personal and interview data within six months of the project end date (September 2026). 

 

We will use what you tell us to write a report for the CPS, but we will not identify you in any way in the report. 

However, we will have to tell the relevant authorities if you tell us that you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm. We will tell you if we have to do this. More detailed information on how we will store and process your data is included in the privacy notice below.

 

Do I have to take part?

 

No. It is up to you to decide whether to take part. 

 

If you do choose to take part, you can change your mind at any point before or during the interview, or up until 1st January 2026. 

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What do I get for taking part in an interview?

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As a thank you for taking part in an interview, you will receive a £70 high street shopping voucher after the interview. 

 

Taking part in an interview is also your chance to help to improve things for other victims.

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Next steps

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If you want to take part in an interview, please click on this link to leave your contact details and we will get in touch to arrange it.  

 

Please click on this link if you would like to take part in a survey.​​​​​​​​​​​​​