Research and analysis

Evaluation of pilots to reduce unnecessary family court delays

Research reports that evaluate 3 pilots delivered between April 2024 and March 2025, aimed at reducing unnecessary family court delays.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 24 September 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Designated family judge trailblazer: research report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-803-0 , RR1640/1

PDF, 858 KB, 90 pages

Designated family judge trailblazer: technical annex

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-804-7, RR1640/2

PDF, 729 KB, 67 pages

Pre-case management hearing meetings: research report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-805-4, RR1640/3

PDF, 786 KB, 81 pages

Pre-case management hearing meetings: technical annex

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-806-1, RR1640/4

PDF, 575 KB, 38 pages

Suspected inflicted head injury service: research report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-807-8, RR1640/5

PDF, 720 KB, 70 pages

Suspected inflicted head injury service: technical annex

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-808-5, RR1640/6

PDF, 540 KB, 30 pages

Details

Three research reports and technical annexes evaluating the following pilots:

• designated family judge area trailblazers
• pre-case management hearing meetings
• suspected inflicted head injury service

Reports include findings and analysis that answer the research questions:

• how were the three pilots designed, delivered and received by stakeholders?
• to what extent did the pilots achieve intended outcomes?
• which aspects of the pilots were most effective?
• do the pilots represent value for money?

This report is intended for policymakers and practitioners across the family justice system.

Published 24 September 2026