Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional training for the judiciary on online court proceedings.

To preserve the independence of the judiciary, the Lord Chief Justice (LCJ), the Senior President of the Tribunals, and the Chief Coroner have statutory responsibility for judicial training, under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, and Coroners and Justice Act 2009 respectively. Training responsibilities are exercised through the Judicial College.

The Judicial College works closely with the judiciary and HMCTS to design and deliver appropriate training that supports the judiciary in online court proceedings. To date, a mix of training and guidance materials have been issued to support the use of video technology and online hearings, including both practical use of technology, behaviours and communication styles. The College continues to review training needs and its programme of activity to best support judges to maintain operations during Covid-19.