HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 31 October 2022

Next week’s update will be issued on Friday 4 November 2022.

• Reminder: On Tuesday 18 October construction of the new state-of-the-art Salisbury Square development began. The new justice centre will provide a total of 18 hearing rooms, consisting of 8 Crown, 6 civil and 4 magistrates’ court rooms.
• Reminder: We’re piloting improved security processes. Visitors to Inner London Crown Court, Bradford Combined Court, Maidstone Crown Court, Cardiff Crown Court and Liverpool Crown Court will be selected at random for a manual pat-down search when entering the building. Members of the Professional Users Access Scheme will not be impacted.

Crime

• Reminder: The Common Platform case management system will be implemented at more criminal courts in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and Kent in the week beginning Monday 31 October. See the list of courts where it’s going live.
• Reminder: Defence solicitors and barristers can join one of our regular online support sessions to get help with using Common Platform. We’ll answer your questions, offer advice and help with troubleshooting. Sessions take place on Tuesdays at 4:30pm and Thursdays at 9am - email us to book a session.

Family

• Reminder: Probate practitioners should submit all applications made on form PA1P or PA1A to: Newcastle Probate Registry, Kings Court, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, NE29 6AR. Find step-by-step guidance on applying for probate with MyHMCTS and on when to use the forms.
• Reminder: Register to join a webinar to update on the probate service for charities on Tuesday 15 November. This will provide an overview of the probate service to the charity sector, sharing data on applications and future plans.
• Reminder: We’ve updated the Probate caveat application process (to challenge someone else’s probate application) to make it simpler and more consistent for all users. Probate practitioners and personal applicants can access the updated PA8A form to apply to stop an application for a grant of representation for up to 6 months and use the new PA8B form to apply for a caveat extension. All applications will need to be submitted to: HMCTS Probate, PO Box 12625, Harlow, CM20 9QE. Read guidance for more information on caveat applications.
• Reminder: If you’re working on a Family Public Law case you can add yourself on MyHMCTS. Read the guidance to complete a notice of acting or notice of change.
• Reminder: Service Centre staff cannot upload draft orders to the Family Public Law service. You must follow the guidance and upload draft orders to MyHMCTS for the judge to review and approve.

Cross cutting services

• Reminder: The Video Hearings service guidance on joining from a corporate network has recently been updated. Please share the guidance with your IT team.

Judicial guidance and announcements

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