the principles to be applied when approving a prosecution case.
As an investigating inspector, it will assist you in preparing and submitting a case for approval. It will also inform you of:
the role of the Approval Officer; and
the approval process.
The section should not be read in isolation from other relevant sections of the Enforcement Guide, in particular the sections in the Investigation stage. It does not replace or override existing guidance and must be read in conjunction with relevant guidance and procedures from your Directorate.
In particular it is important for investigating inspectors and approval officers to remember that they can call on assistance from others within HSE, for example technical specialists, legal Advisers and press officers, when cases are considered for prosecution.
It is also important to ensure that, in line with current best practice, cases that are likely to attract wide public interest or are otherwise sensitive are notified to senior management through the management line.
Inspectors should also refer to the Code for Crown Prosecutors (see the CPS website), the HSC Enforcement Policy Statement and the Enforcement Management Model.
