In our fourth episode of Inside HMCTS podcast, we focus on how we’re making our courts and tribunals more accessible for everyone and how we are supporting people to use our online services.

When people need to come to one of our courts or tribunals, or use our online services, they may require need extra help. We’re committed to removing common barriers people may face to make sure they can access justice at an equal level.

You'll hear from Mike Williams, Deputy Director of Service Excellence, about how court users can request adjustments when visiting one of our buildings and how the Human Voice of Justice is improving our communication.

We also speak to the team at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, to find out about how they are overcoming accessibility challenges at the historic site and we find out what support is available for those who need a helping hand when completing digital forms.

For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

In the third episode of the Inside HMCTS podcast, we discuss the benefits to those members of the public able to join us at an open day in their local court or tribunal.

Open days offer great opportunities to give local communities the chance to take a look behind the scenes of justice being delivered in their local area. They demonstrate openness and transparency around the vital public service that we deliver at HMCTS, in an engaging and informative way. 

We spoke to Jordana Allen-Rowlandson, a Crown Court Clerk and Molly Seymour, the Delivery Manager at Crime Lincolnshire who organised open days last year at Winchester and Lincoln Crown Courts.

We also hear from some visitors to an open day at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in September last year, about their experiences.

Join us as we take a look behind the scenes and reflect on some of the unexpected opportunities a visit to an open day provided some of our visitors last year.

For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

In our latest episode, we're focusing on an important and timely topic – making courts and tribunals more accessible for neurodivergent people.

Neurodiversity, expresses the diverse ways people think, interpret, and process information, and it is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure justice is accessible to everyone.

Our host, Liz Bryant, talks to Nicky Reynolds, Deputy Director of the Future Hearings Programme, and Adam Micklethwaite, Director of The Autism Alliance.

Nicky sheds light on what neurodiversity is and the different needs neurodivergent people can have, it’s clear there’s no one size fits all.

As they discuss remote hearings - conducted online with participants in different locations - the podcast explores the ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility for neurodivergent people within the justice system.

Adam shares insights into autism, highlighting the individual nature of the experience. They delve into the challenges autistic people may face in accessing justice, emphasising the importance of an inclusive society. The discussion then turns to HMCTS's Video Hearing Service, a bespoke solution designed for remote participation, and Adam provides valuable feedback on its potential benefits and areas for improvement.

As they explore the broader landscape of neurodivergence, the conversation emphasises the need for user-centered design, active engagement with neurodivergent communities, and meticulous preparation to create an inclusive and accessible justice system.

Join us in this insightful dialogue, as we work towards a future where everyone can access justice with ease and dignity.

For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS