Friday 9 May 2025 A weekly round-up of the latest news and information about courts and tribunals | | We recently welcomed Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to Wellingborough Justice Centre where she met with our staff and judicial colleagues to recognise the important working being done to ensure justice is delivered. | | This week we published our remote participation approach and our ambition to maximise the benefits of remote participation for court and tribunal users and our justice partners. Judges decide how hearings should proceed and we know remote participation is not suitable for everyone. However, research shows that remote participation can have benefits for hearing participants, whilst providing greater resilience and flexibility for the justice system. | | Our latest monthly management information for March 2024 to March 2025 highlights workload volumes and timeliness at a national level for our civil and family courts, and tribunals. We also published data on Crown Court sitting days for each financial year from 2015 to 2016, up until 2024 to 2025. | | Tomorrow (Saturday 10 May 2025) Bradford Combined Court will be opening its doors to the public for the second time. Anyone is welcome to come along to this open day where you can watch mock trials, see equipment used by the police, and speak with a range of professionals who make our justice system work in your community. | | Our latest Month in HMCTS video covers news highlights from April, including a Royal visit to Wellingborough, student visits to the Royal Courts of Justice for the Bar Mock Trial final, and school visits to local magistratesâ courts in Northumbria. | | We've published a new blog exploring how remote link sites are creating safe spaces for vulnerable witnesses to participate in court proceedings without the stress of attending a courtroom. The blog provides an inside look at The Lighthouse, where witnesses can give evidence in a supportive environment with calm spaces rather than formal court settings. These HMCTS-approved sites connect to courtrooms via secure video links, helping witnesses give their best evidence while aiming to reduce anxiety. | | As part of Juror Appreciation Week, weâve published a blog looking back at our recent Inside HMCTS podcast episode. Our Deputy Director for Crime Live Services shared first-hand insights into the jury selection process, highlighting what to expect when you're called to serve, and why the role of a juror is so important. | | On Thursday 15 May 2025, we're holding an interactive webinar where advocates can learn more about the technology used to access recordings. We are developing our own in-house technology to support the delivery of Section 28 of the Youth and Criminal Justice Act pre-recorded evidence special measure, including a new portal for advocates and judiciary to access the recordings of the cases. The new technology, known as âPREâ, is due to be launched in every Crown Court in England and Wales and the High Court. | | Thereâs still time to register for our probate practitioner drop-in session on Thursday 15 May 2025. Join us in Newport to meet the team, find out more about the service and hear about planned improvements. For more information and to register your attendance please email nsfamilybmt@justice.gov.uk. | | What did you think of this email? | | |