Lexis®Library update: The pilot aims to create a ‘more flexible, efficient and effective justice system’ by considering if longer operating hours are productive, if the accessibility of the court is maximised to citizens by opening at different times throughout the day and the effect of operating hours on professional and public court users.
Keys points from the report are:
• there is no significant difference when implementing the flexible operating hours pilot
• concerns were raised regarding the quality of justice due to the concentration levels of those in the legal profession
• the working life of legal professionals was negatively impacted by creating childcare and safety issues when attending late hearings
• the pilot benefitted the public by reducing wait times and the necessity to take time off work
• a recommendation that in the future, the participation in flexible operating hours might be a matter of choice for both legal professionals and the public
The HMCTS flexible operating hours pilot report can be read here.
Source: Flexible operating hours evaluation plan and summary
This content was first published by LNB News / Lexis®Library, a LexisNexis® company, on 27 July 2021 and is published with permission. Further information can be found at: https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/
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