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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.
12 forms found
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.
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.
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