Information Technology

JOHN MILLER outline some of the work being undertaken to modernise the computer systems in use in different tribunals.

Sir Andrew Leggatt recognised information technology as one of the key elements of a more open, efficient tribunal system. Some of his recommendations related to the equipment that should be available within different tribunals, such as basic office and case management tools. Others related to areas in which a standardisation of systems would be of benefit, such as standard orders and rulings, common management information systems and a Tribunals Service Intranet for adjudicators, holding shared know-how and experience.

The Courts and Tribunals Modernisation Programme (CTMP) was set up at the Court Service at the end of 2001 to consider the whole question of the use of computers in courts and tribunals. As a first step in the programme of work in relation to tribunals, we have been assessing the facilities available in tribunals at the moment.

It is clear that the infrastructure already exists in many tribunals to enable them to improve the service offered to users. Indeed, a number of tribunals are already undertaking their own programmes of reform; a number of these are described in more detail below.

It is certainly essential that any help offered by CTMP serves to supplement and support these initiatives, and not to bog them down in any way.

There are a number of initiatives taking place in tribunals sponsored by different government departments. In those sponsored by the Lord Chancellor's Department, all staff (in which we include chairs and tribunals members, as well as administrative staff ) already have their own computers and are able to send and receive e-mails internally and externally. Those staff also have access to the Court Service and Departmental Infonet which contains material such as staff directories and personnel forms. All of those computers have Internet capability and it is the LCD's intention that all staff will eventually have access.

Questionnaire
As part of our research, we are on the point of sending each tribunal member and chair a questionnaire, in an attempt to identify their computer needs. The questionnaire focuses on areas such as:

1. Case management

2. In-court work

3. Post-hearing

4. Communication

5. Training

6. Electronic information

Pilot

A pilot exercise is currently taking place in the Lands Tribunal, where users have been invited to communicate with the tribunal by e-mail. Protocols have been issued and systems put in place to manage the correspondence received electronically. It is hoped that similar initiatives will be undertaken in other tribunals. Voice recognition technology is also being piloted by all full-time judicial office-holders at the Immigration Appellate Authority.

Websites
The Immigration Appellate Authority and Social Security Commissioners websites were redesigned last year. Those other tribunal websites currently in existence will be reviewed and redesigned this year and new ones created where they do not exist. The opportunity will be taken in all instances to include interactive elements, such as search engines for decision databases.

Video-conference
Video-conference facilities will be expanded throughout LCD-sponsored tribunals by July 2002, providing full coverage at every permanent hearing centre. The Immigration Appeal Tribunal is at the forefront in using this technology. Since October 2001, a judge sitting in London can hear a case where the appellant and their representative are in Glasgow, Birmingham or Manchester. These video-hearings are often three-way with the Home Office representative appearing on a second screen. Both parties are also able to see and hear each other.

JOHN MILLER works at the Tribunals Directorate, a division of the Court Service. He can be contacted on 020 7947 7392.