Strategic Public Engagement Group Meeting – June 2025
Published 8 July 2025
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1. Introductions
This is a summary of the discussions from the Strategic Public Engagement Group (SPEG) meeting held on 4 June 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by The Hon. Mr. Justice Robin Knowles CBE and Miriam Davidson (Head of User Inclusion, HMCTS).
2. Digital Support Update
HMCTS provided members with an overview of developments with the future digital support service, following on from earlier discussion in February and to highlight a forthcoming market engagement event on 17 June aimed at those interested in delivering the new service or influencing its design.
3. Engagement Model Review Summary
HMCTS summarised the improvements to the Jurisdictional Public Engagement group model that will be implemented following the recent annual review. These include external members proposing and presenting agenda items, written and verbal interim updates on previous items to ensure continuous engagement and a yearly in person event to join the groups.
4. Accessibility Strategy
HMCTS outlined the Accessibility Strategy being developed, it currently focuses on improving physical accessibility of courts and tribunals buildings following an Internal Government Audit Agency report in 2024.
Discussion highlighted the broad range of user needs and barriers that come under accessibility, including digital exclusion, cultural adaptations, legal terminology, language and the needs of disabled and neurodivergent users. In light of this, it was discussed that the strategy should consider accessibility more widely than just the physical sense.
Further discussion focused on other accessibility challenges, such as the importance of improving data collection and improving building accessibility. Work on the Accessibility Strategy is at an early stage. HMCTS will return to the group for further engagement as it develops.
5. Futures Thinking
HMCTS presented an overview of future megatrends identified as likely to have the most impact on HMCTS and service users in the next five to fifteen years, building on an earlier presentation to the group.
The discussion focused on three megatrends that have been identified: climate change, ageing population and technology. A range of associated challenges were already being seen by the third sector, such as staff experiencing abuse from clients and increased requests for digital support from older users. While it was agreed that AI is likely to bring innovation and improvement to HMCTS operations and services, there is also concern about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated legal advice and the risk that AI may digitally exclude older users from accessing justice when they need or would prefer in-person support.
A conversation followed about taking a balanced approach when assessing potential impact from megatrends and on the importance of HMCTS considering resilient infrastructure to help prepare for these issues. Futures Thinking work is already discussed at HMCTS Board level and will link into other internal projects on risk and sustainability, including the Accessibility Strategy. Further discussions and updates will be planned for forthcoming SPEG meetings.
6. Next meeting
The next meeting is planned for September 2025.