- new software, worth millions of pounds, will bring
scheduling and listing activity into a single tool
- court and tribunal users will benefit from reduced
delays and a more reliable system
- the move marks a significant step in the HMCTS reform
programme
Scheduling and listing is currently managed using a variety
of systems from paper-based files to tools based on Outlook
diaries.
The new software will increase the quality of service
offered to the public and legal professionals. It will
support better use of hearing spaces; reduce administrative
tasks so that skilled staff can focus on the more complex
areas of hearing management; and provide greater confidence
that hearings will proceed when scheduled.
Courts Minister, , said:
This is a significant step towards achieving our goal of
bringing the courts and tribunal service into the 21st
century.
Listing administration can take up a huge amount of time
for our hardworking staff and this investment will
support them to focus on important work helping all court
and tribunal users.
This contract is part of a series of steps HMCTS is
undertaking to modernise and improve the experience of all
those using courts and tribunal buildings.
Other steps to modernise the courts and tribunals include:
- a new in-court system that records the result of cases
digitally and instantly;
- a pilot of a new digital system providing shared case
information in criminal cases to the police, Crown
Prosecution Service, courts and lawyers; and,
- online services covering divorce, probate, civil money
claims and social security appeals which have been used by
more than 300,000 people with user satisfaction rates over
80%.
McGirr Technologies has been appointed to deliver the
changes following a competitive process. It will be
implemented in a select few courts initially, with the aim
of rolling it out across all courts and tribunals.
We will begin tests and installation in a small number of
courts over the next 9 months, after which we will set out
plans to roll the technology out nationally.
Peter Nanayakara, Chief Executive of McGirr
said:
We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and
to be working with HMCTS as it delivers on its reform
plans.
This contract will allow HMCTS to modernise how it
administers cases and we’re looking forward to working
together to improve the experience for all court and
tribunal users in England and Wales.
Notes to editors:
- scheduling and listing is the judicial function that
enables cases to be heard in courts and tribunals
- it is administered by HMCTS with careful consideration
of the needs of members of the public, judicial
availability and resources
- decisions on how and when hearings are listed are made
by a judge
- this contract is part of the £1bn HMCTS reform
programme, which will increase access to justice by
introducing 21st century technology, online services and
digital working to the courts and tribunals system.
- the contract is initially for £3.2m over two years with
the option to extend for a further two years, bringing the
total up £6m
