Improving support for people who need help using online court and tribunal services

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Digital services, Training and support
Two people sat besides a laptop and pointing towards the screen, having a discussion.

We know not everyone has the access, skills or confidence to use online services. From April 2027, changes to our Digital Support Service will help more people access justice and improve support for some of our most disadvantaged users.

Historic Court Buildings: The Royal Courts of Justice, from Queen Victoria to the bear pit

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Richard from the Royal Courts of Justice Estates Office to explore the history of this iconic building, from its construction in the 1880s to its connections with Queen Victoria, who watched barristers arguing below from a balcony, in an area that became known as the 'bear garden'.

Modernising our courtrooms: introducing the DAVE programme

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Court and tribunal reform
Empty courtroom with wooden benches, desks and multiple screens.

Courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and non-devolved tribunals in Scotland, are changing. The way we present evidence and run hearings today looks very different to how it did a few years ago. Evidence is often shared as video, …

Testing how AI could help improve case readiness in the Crown Court

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Crime, Digital services, General
AI robotic head gazes at hand holding scales on dark blue background. Ethics decision-making concept

We want to use court time as effectively as possible. That means making sure that, where possible, cases are ready to proceed when they come before a judge. As part of our wider work to tackle delays and improve the way the justice system works, HMCTS and the Ministry of Justice are exploring where artificial …

Historic Court Buildings: Derby's dungeons and royal visits

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Podcast

In this episode of Inside HMCTS, Melissa visits Derby Justice Centre, joined by senior legal advisor Glyn to explore the history of the Shire Hall, built in 1665, from its origins as a mediaeval court and public entertainment space to its links with the Pentrich Martyrs and a hidden underground dungeon.

Supporting vulnerable people in the criminal courts: where we are now 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Crime, User experience and research

Behind every case that comes through our criminal courts is a person. They could be a witness who must relive a frightening experience to give their evidence. Sometimes it's a member of the public serving on a jury. And sometimes it's someone who, for reasons of disability or vulnerability, needs the system to adapt a little so that they …

We're Building the Future of User-Centred Design at HMCTS

Posted by: , and , Posted on: - Categories: General, User experience and research, Working at HMCTS

User-centred design plays an important role in helping us create services that are simpler more accessible. In this blog, we explore how our content and interaction designers are improving justice services across HMCTS, and why we're recruiting senior leaders to help shape the future of services used by millions of people.

UCD at HMCTS: How we’re strengthening user-centred design

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Digital services, General, User experience and research

User-centred design helps us create justice services that work for the people who use and deliver them. Learn how HMCTS is growing its design capability to support service improvement, build expertise and shape the future of justice services.

Tribunals in 2026: progress, partnerships and plans for the future

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Court and tribunal reform, General, Tribunals

Tracy Parker-Priest reflects on a year of significant change across tribunals, from increased digital uptake to implementing new policy change. She shares what's been achieved, what's ahead, and how tribunals are continuing to serve the people who need them most.