Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what mental health support is available to judges, barristers and other court officials working in Crown Courts (a) during and after particularly distressing cases and (b) on an ongoing basis.

Judges have access to a range of confidential services delivered by our Judicial Assistance Provider, which are tailored to support them in their judicial roles including specific support for those judges hearing distressing cases in the Crown Court. This support includes access to a 24/7 Judicial Helpline and counselling service, and access to the Trial Support Service, which is specifically designed to provide three stage support (pre-trial, during trial and after trial) in particularly distressing cases. In addition, salaried judges within the Crown Court have an opportunity to speak confidentially with qualified professionals about the cumulative impact of their work. Additional support is also available following critical incidents, alongside peer support from designated welfare judges. Further resources, such as occupational health services and specialist therapeutic support, are also available where needed.

Court Officials working in Crown Courts have access to professional critical incident and trauma support during and after a trial. Court Officials have access to the Employee Assistance Programme, and the Department has a team of Mental Health Allies that are trained to support staff.

Barristers are not employed by the Ministry of Justice and would therefore obtain support via their employers or professional bodies.