Transparency data

Strategic Engagement Group Meeting Chair’s Summary - September 2026

Published 2 October 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

1. Introduction

A summary of the Strategic Engagement Group (StratEG) meeting held online on 24 September 2026.

Members of the Bar Council, Law Society and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) met representatives of HMCTS for the latest bi-annual meeting.

The meeting included verbal updates covering:

• Actions and minutes from the previous meeting (24 March 2026)
• Strategic and operational overviews
• Audio visual technology strategy

Presentations covered:

• Listing improvement programme
• Criminal contact modernisation project
• Jade’s Law implementation

Papers circulated in advance covered:

• Jurisdictional updates
• Criminal contact modernisation project
• Jade’s Law implementation

2. Strategic and operational overview

HMCTS provided an update on preparations for the next Spending Review. While no review has yet been commissioned, preparatory work is underway to identify priorities and develop evidence ahead of expected discussions in 2027.

HMCTS also discussed the government’s wider devolution agenda and confirmed it is exploring what ‘devolution by default’ could mean for courts and tribunals, as part of wider Ministry of Justice discussions.

An update was provided on the priorities of recently appointed HMCTS Chief Executive Megan Lee-Devlin. Early areas of focus include strengthening organisational performance and governance, improving the use of data, providing better digital tools for staff, improving staff morale and retention, and ensuring the estate is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

3. Audio visual technology strategy

HMCTS provided an overview of its strategy, which sets out a long-term approach to improving the courtroom technology that supports remote participation, evidence presentation and audio recording.

The strategy includes plans to establish clearer audio-visual standards, strengthen governance arrangements, expand video capability across courtrooms through the DAVE programme and improve monitoring to support reliability and performance.

HMCTS confirmed that remote hearings will continue to be supported through Cloud Video Platform, or a compatible successor system, rather than Microsoft Teams.

The strategy also identifies future work to improve evidence playback, support public and media observation of hearings, modernise audio recording arrangements, and consider future replacements for the pre-recorded evidence service and media asset management systems.

Members welcomed the focus on improved monitoring and data collection and highlighted the importance of reliable management information to support future investment decisions.

4. Listing improvement programme

HMCTS provided an update on the programme ahead of implementation of the National Listing Framework from 1 October 2026.

The programme focuses on four areas: the National Listing Framework, data and analysis, digital tools, and people and change.

The revised Criminal Practice Direction, effective from 1 October 2026, introduces a more consistent national approach to listing while maintaining judicial discretion. Work will continue after implementation to monitor adoption, gather feedback and refine guidance.

5. Criminal contact modernisation project

HMCTS provided an update on the project, which aims to improve how crime-related enquiries are received, managed and resolved across the criminal courts.

The project seeks to improve first-contact resolution, reduce unnecessary handoffs between teams and explore the role of Courts and Tribunals Service Centres as a potential single point of contact for criminal court enquiries.

Work currently underway includes improving triage arrangements, introducing standardised digital forms, reviewing existing support models and redesigning processes to reduce duplication and simplify customer journeys.

Discovery activity has been completed, and findings are being considered ahead of a proof of concept phase involving operational testing.

Members welcomed the emphasis on improving the handling of urgent enquiries and the importance of continued stakeholder engagement as proposals develop.

6. Jade’s Law implementation

HMCTS and Ministry of Justice representatives provided an update on the implementation of Jade’s Law.

The legislation will introduce the automatic restriction of the exercise of parental responsibility where a parent has been sentenced for the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a child’s other parent.

The new process is intended to reduce the burden on bereaved families by removing the need to apply to the family court to seek restrictions on parental responsibility.

Implementation requires changes to criminal and family procedure rules, new information-sharing arrangements and supporting operational processes across the justice system.

Implementation remains on track for December 2026. Engagement has taken place with a range of partners, including the judiciary, local authorities, government departments, police and victim support organisations, with further engagement planned with legal professional bodies ahead of implementation.

7. Next meeting

The next meeting date is yet to be confirmed but is planned for March 2027.

Rob Hack

Chair