Some tools may be unavailable or may not work as expected while we complete final testing.
This is a new service. Help us improve it and give your feedback.
Document collection
Use this guide to understand and access standard Manual of Guidance (MG) templates. These forms are used across the criminal justice system in England and Wales to prepare, structure, and submit prosecution files.
The standardisation of criminal casefiles is governed by the National File Standard (NFS), which is incorporated into the Director's Guidance on Charging (Sixth Edition).
Historically, the framework was set out in the national Manual of Guidance. To ensure consistency across different agencies, investigators use numbered forms with the prefix 'MG' to compile evidence, outline case facts, and share data securely with prosecutors.
The criminal justice system is progressively moving toward integrated software systems and the Digital Case File (DCF).
Under the DCF framework, many traditional paper and standalone word-processing templates are being retired. They are increasingly replaced by direct, dynamic data fields completed within secure, local police platforms. Standalone templates, however, remain a critical reference for training, auditing, and file compilation by independent investigators, regulators, and non-police prosecuting agencies.
54 forms found
MG02 – Special Measures Assessment records whether a witness may need help to give their best evidence in court. Police provide it to the CPS to support consideration of a special measures application. The court - not MG02 - decides whether to grant any measure.
MG03 – Pre-Charge Decision Request is used by an investigator to refer a case to the CPS for charging advice or a charging decision. It summarises the key evidence, legal and evidential issues, outstanding enquiries and the proposed approach. It is signed by a supervisor and is not itself a charge.
MG03A – Further Report to CPS for Charging Decision is used to provide the CPS with further information after it has asked for clarification or additional investigative work on a pre-charge referral. It records what has been done in response and supports the CPS’s further charging advice or decision. It is not a charge.
MG04 – Charge Sheet records the offences with which a person is charged, their response after charge and any grant of unconditional bail. It is completed by the custody sergeant and forms part of the formal police charging process.
MG04A – Bail: Grant or Variation records a grant of conditional police bail, the conditions imposed, why they are necessary, and any later changes to those conditions. It is part of the police bail record and does not apply to court bail.
Records a suspect or representative request to vary or remove conditional police bail conditions, for decision by the custody sergeant.
Records details of a surety, security offered and associated police bail conditions where someone agrees to support the defendant attendance.
Notifies a youth defendant of the written charges and gives details of the first court appearance.
Notifies a parent or guardian by post that a youth has been charged and gives details of the first court appearance.
Notifies an adult defendant by post that they are being charged with the listed offences and gives details of the first court appearance.
Notifies a suspect that no further action is being taken in relation to the matter for which they were arrested or investigated.
MG05 – Offence Report gives the court and prosecution a concise account of the case for the first magistrates’ court hearing. It may form the basis of the prosecution case where the defendant pleads guilty.
MG06 – Case File Information provides the prosecutor with relevant case background, sensitive matters, evidential and public interest issues, and target dates for further evidence. It supports effective case review and is not itself an unused material schedule or disclosure officer’s report.
Records pre-interview briefing or disclosure given to a suspect solicitor or legal representative before interview.
MG06B – Officer or Staff Misconduct Record is used by an official witness to tell the CPS about relevant criminal convictions, cautions, misconduct outcomes or adverse judicial findings. It gives the CPS enough information to decide whether any disclosure is required.
Lists relevant non-sensitive unused material, its description and location, so the prosecutor can make disclosure decisions.
Lists relevant sensitive unused material, its location and the reason it is considered sensitive, for prosecutor and public interest immunity review.
Highlights unused material that may undermine the prosecution case or assist the defence and records the disclosure officer certification.
Asks the CPS to apply for a remand in custody or conditional bail and explains the grounds relied upon.
Records the original charges, bail conditions and alleged breach details, and allows court outcome information to be fed back for PNC recording.
Provides the CPS and witness service with witness details, statement information and whether witnesses are victims, vulnerable or intimidated.
Records dates and reasons when prosecution witnesses are unavailable, helping prosecutors and courts list hearings effectively.
Records a witness written evidence under the Criminal Justice Act 1967 and Criminal Procedure Rules, including witness care, availability and special measures information.
Handwritten version of the MG11 witness statement form, used where a lined manuscript statement is required.
Continuation sheet for handwritten MG11 M witness statements where more space is needed.
Lists exhibits to be produced in evidence and records where they are located if a copy is not supplied with the case papers.
Records the offences, conditions and offender acceptance of a conditional caution or equivalent out-of-court disposal record.
Provides a written record or summary of an audio or visually recorded interview with a suspect, vulnerable witness or intimidated witness.
Continuation sheet for an MG15 interview record where the main form does not provide enough space.
Handwritten version of the interview record for use where a manuscript interview record is required.
Continuation sheet for a handwritten MG15M interview record.
Tells the prosecutor about relevant previous offences, bad character material or dangerous offender information that may affect trial or sentence.
Lists other offences admitted by the defendant which they ask the court to take into consideration when sentencing for charged offences.
Allows victims to provide details of loss, injury or damage so the prosecutor can consider applying for compensation at court.
Provides further evidence, information or updates to the prosecutor after the initial case papers have been submitted.
Accompanies evidence or samples sent for forensic testing, providing an audit trail, points to prove and target dates for examination.
MG21A – Submission of Additional Work for Scientific Examination is used to request extra or follow up forensic work after an original MG21 submission has been sent to a forensic provider. It records the additional work required and is not itself an evidential report.
MG22A – Streamlined Forensic Report: Initial Investigation is a forensic information report used to record early forensic findings, scene information or strategy that may assist an enquiry, interview or investigation. It is not normally intended to be used as evidence.
MG22B – Streamlined Forensic Report: Forensic Results is the Stage 1 forensic report, also known as SFR1. It summarises key forensic findings from initial testing or comparison so the parties can identify what is agreed and what remains in dispute.
MG22C – Streamlined Forensic Report: Forensic Issues is the Stage 2 expert report used to address specific forensic issues identified after the initial streamlined forensic report has been considered. It provides targeted further evidence for the court.
1 positive response
Thank you for your feedback.
Install the Criminal Justice Hub app for faster access on your phone.
On iPhone, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
