The National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA) held its 19th annual conference on Friday 25th October, 2019.

The conference focused on the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It also covered community perceptions since the publication of the Macpherson Report 20 years ago and the association’s response to the 2017 Lammy Review.

Sir David, former Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales, was given the inaugural Sylvia Denman Award, which was set up to acknowledge changemakers within the criminal justice system.

Following the Macpherson report into the death of Stephen Lawrence, Sir David commissioned an inquiry into institutional racism within the CPS. Sylvia Denman CBE, a barrister and academic, led the inquiry which brought about changes including the launch of the NBCPA itself.

In 2004, on his return to practice at QEB Hollis Whiteman following five years as the DPP, Sir David was appointed to conduct a Formal Investigation for the Commission for Racial Equality into racism within the Police Service of England and Wales.

Sir David Calvert-Smith returned to Chambers as an Honorary Member in 2013 after retiring from the High Court Bench.