Court reform

The Bar Council is an active stakeholder in HM Court and Tribunal Service’s (HMCTS) court reform programme. The programme is currently ongoing and is scheduled to be completed by December 2023. The Bar Council makes recommendations to HMCTS on various issues relating to court reform in order that barristers’ thoughts and concerns are heard, on projects including:

• Court closures, changes to courtroom operating hours and infrastructure changes
• Implementation of new processes and digitisation of existing processes
• Access to justice

We work with other stakeholders to advocate for transparency, efficiency and access to justice across the courts system. This includes being active members of government consultations at all stages of the reform process.
 

Court reform updates

NAO report on Court reform process
Read the Bar Council's response to the NAO’s Report on court reform progress.