Prosecutions Case Officer

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to improve quality of life, by bringing people together to get the most out of life.

SWR is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

As a Prosecutions Case Officer, you will act as a lay prosecutor on behalf of the business, as well as conducting advocacy work in courts, you will also prepare all relevant case files, make and accept offers of settlement, and provide advice and guidance to investigators on court procedures and evidential standards.

You will have a high level of attention to detail and an excellent knowledge of the British judicial system, and related procedures.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Conduct objective, fair, thorough, unbiased, and timely reviews of matters reported for prosecution to determine if any offences have been committed.
• Manage and prioritise a large and varied case load effectively and efficiently to achieve positive results
• Work closely with Fraud Investigation Officers and refer Prosecutions Cases which require fraud input in a timely manner.
• Prepare prosecution packages and restitution proposals
• Appear in Magistrates Courts as a lay prosecutor, presenting cases on behalf of SWR and advocating for favourable results.
• Work with solicitors, barristers and other legal professionals on cases which will be appearing in higher courts.
• Have an excellent knowledge of the relevant pieces of criminal legislation, with a particular focus on:
  • The Railways (penalty fare) Act 2018
  • The Regulation of the Railways Act 1889
  • The Railway Bylaws
  • The Fraud Act 2006
  • The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Have a thorough understanding of ticketing, restrictions, and validities, as well as those of supporting documents.
• Understand retailing, keep up to date with Retail issues and attend relevant courses as appropriate, with a specific focus on new products.
• Have an understanding of evidential standards for criminal investigations, as well as court room procedure.
• Be conversant with relevant company standards and policies, ensuring compliance with revenue protection guidelines, cash regulations and personal safety guidelines.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• To have a working knowledge of revenue protection methods, and relevant laws and legal procedures.
• To have experience working in a criminal justice role, either in revenue protection, policing, or associated fields.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Be confident in presenting information to a range of people, including judges and magistrates
• Be resilient and able to cope in a pressured environment
• Be confident in using modern technology

About the location

Overline House is conveniently situated overlooking Southampton Central Station and is easily accessible by public transport. The station is very local to West Quay, a hub for retailers and restaurants, and provides an excellent link between London, Coastal areas and the Isle of Wight.

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days

Monday to Friday Office Hours.

Some early starts and late finishes required when attending court.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Large range of exclusive retail offers
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.