Two-week rapid consultation on remote hearings in the Family Court launched


The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane is pleased to announce the commencement of a two-week rapid consultation on the use of remote hearings in the family justice system, starting today (Tuesday 14 April 2020).

This research project will be undertaken by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, an independent organisation which is committed to improving life for children and families by putting data and evidence at the heart of family justice system.

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO) will seek to gather evidence from families with children and all professionals working in the family justice system, including judges, barristers, solicitors, Cafcass workers, court staff and social workers.

The NFJO will also convene virtual meetings and events to discuss the issues over the coming two weeks and draw together findings from existing research of relevance.

The consultation will run until 28 April, enabling the President to receive a summary of the responses by end April, with a view to issuing guidance in early May.

The consultation can be accessed via the following link: https://www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/rapid-consultation-remote-hearings