Earlier in the year we reviewed the modern needs and demands of the employment tribunal system. With cases backing up months and even into 2020, the need to tackle how cases are being handled is changing, as we react to modern demands.

Last year Sir Ernest Ryder (Senior President of Tribunals) presented his findings on the 25th May 2018 to the Lord Chancellor and additionally the Secretary of State for Justice. Furthermore taking into account the workings of tribunal judges and other panel members of the Court and Tribunal Modernisation Programme, he submitted the supplementary report, The Modernisation of Tribunals 2018, on the 29th January 2019.

According to Sir Ernest Ryder’s in his Innovation Plan for 2019 – 20, his plan intends “To introduce a standard case management platform with core case data to replace existing case records and files.”

With the objective of, “To give judges, panel members and users access to a digital case record and to provide judicial office holders with the facility to case manage online and use the case record in any way that a digital or paper bundle can be used.” Published in Sir Ernest Ryder's plan for modernising the tribunal system, what has been proposed thus far includes:

• The introduction of Digital Case Files. Providing a central bank location to manage a case online, in which evidence, profiles, and documents can be kept in one place; ensuring increased efficiency, turn-around times, and ensuring all information is readily and easily available.
• Catalogues of digital templates being created in which standard letters, documents, notices, orders, and more can be produced from. Decreasing unnecessary time spent on each individual document being tailored for single use.
• Proceedings of each tribunal case being digitally recorded, to allow proceeding transcripts to be created when needed. This creates the benefit of parties not arguing over their notes created in said tribunal when/if they appeal their case.

If these policies come into place anywhere in the region of what is proposed by Sir Ernest Ryder it is certain that this will be a big shake up to the management and infrastructure of tribunal hearings. Although there is no guarantee, it is believed that these plans if they do will come into operation in the next two years. PACT HR will be keeping a close eye over these proceedings and will update you all as soon as we hear more.

In our upcoming June 2019 Briefing Sessions we endeavour to look in more detail into the changes that these changes to the tribunal system will bring, and how we perceive it will effect how organisations interact with them. Alongside such topics as Brexit and an update on its effects on Schools, an update on the consultation on Teachers Pensions, updates on School Teachers Pay and Conditions 2019, and much more…

Places are available now for our June 2019 Briefing Sessions, to register on our upcoming session, just click here for more details and booking information. If you prefer a more personal touch you can still speak or email one of the dedicated members of the team at PACT HR by emailing us on Pact-HR@bradford.gov.uk, calling on 01274 436644

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Harry Walton – PACT HR Marketing & Communications Officer