HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 22 November 2021

Next week’s update will be issued on Friday 26 November 2021.

• Updated: We’ve published recordings from all sessions held at this year’s Annual Public User Event.
• Our second super courtroom in Loughborough is now open and operational. The courtroom provides the space to hear larger trials involving three or more defendants, known as ‘multi-hander’ cases.
• Reminder: We’ve published details of which courts and tribunals will be closed over the Christmas period.
• Reminder: Everyone coming to our buildings should wear a face covering, unless exempt (for example, anyone under 11 years old).
• Reminder: You should continue to follow the relevant self-isolation rules which changed in August 2021 for England, Wales and Scotland.
• Reminder: We encourage individuals to take a free, rapid lateral flow COVID-19 test before coming to a court or tribunal. These are free and readily available in your local area, or to order online. Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate and follow the latest NHS advice.

Crime

• Updated: Increasing capacity in court docks. New HMPPS guidance means from Monday 22 November 2021, we can remove social distancing in court docks. Existing physical safety measures (such as screens) will remain, face coverings will be mandatory for staff and defendants will be strongly encouraged to wear them. PECS is responsible for the safety and security of the dock area – which it reviews after a physical adaption – and will increase safety measures if specific local risks are identified.
• Reminder: Defence practitioners can find our quick guide to using Common Platform alongside questions and answers published following our latest webinar on national rollout of the system.
• Reminder: Adjustments to the roll out schedule for Common Platform are always communicated directly to those affected. All sites currently operating with Common Platform will continue to do so irrespective of any such adjustments.

Civil

• Updated: All Civil and Family courts in Wales have now gone live with Scheduling and Listing. Users will now be able to view court lists in the new format.

Family

• Reminder: Since Monday 15 November 2021 local authorities and legal firms under the jurisdiction of Devon, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Lincoln, Milton Keynes, Cumbria, Lancashire family courts must submit C110a applications for care and supervision orders and discharge of care and supervision orders online using MyHMCTS. Supporting documents for applications required by the Family Court should also be uploaded to MyHMCTS. Guidance on applying for a family law order is available via GOV.UK

Judicial guidance and announcements

• For the latest practice directions, advice, and guidance please visit the Judicial Office website.