TO BE PUBLISHED July 2026
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This conference will examine the way forward for improving the operation and efficiency of the courts system in England and Wales.
Discussion will focus on criminal courts reform, the future allocation of cases in the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts, and wider priorities for court capacity, workforce resilience and access to justice.
Criminal courts reform & implementation
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to consider next steps in the context of:
- a Courts Modernisation Bill recently announced in the King’s Speech, with plans to allocate more cases to magistrates’ courts and introduce a new Crown Court tier with certain cases to be heard by judge alone
- recommendations set out in Parts One and Two of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts conducted by Sir Brian Leveson, including proposals relating to criminal court structure, allocation of cases, trial processes and wider priorities for improving efficiency and reducing delays
- the Government’s response to Part One, setting out proposals for legislative and operational reform intended to improve case progression and reduce delays
- provisions in the Courts and Tribunals Bill currently progressing through Parliament relating to court operation, sentencing powers and case progression.
Approaches to implementation of measures relating to expanded use of judge-only trials, the introduction of Swift Courts, widening of sentencing powers, and changes to case allocation and reclassification of offences will be discussed - alongside priorities for strengthening victim support and improving case progression. Delegates will also consider proposals aiming to improve system performance, and coordination between immediate operational changes and the wider programme of structural reform.
We expect further discussion to focus on taking forward recommendations in the Leveson Review on system redesign, allocation of cases and trial processes, including priorities for sequencing and implementation. Delegates will assess how current proposals might address underlying drivers of delays - such as case complexity and system capacity.
Court users, jury trial & access to justice
The agenda will consider implications of proposed measures for delays and court capacity, as well as for defendants and legal professionals, including the impact on the experience of victims, particularly in sensitive cases - such as serious sexual offences and domestic violence. Delegates will also assess approaches to addressing pressures facing victim support services, concerns around access to justice, and priorities for protecting vulnerable witnesses.
We expect a focus on the role of juries in the justice system, and questions around fairness, perceived legitimacy, and public confidence. Delegates will assess expanded use of judge-only trials and changes to allocation and entitlement to jury trials in certain types of case. Areas for discussion include the possible impact on consistency in decision-making across courts, alongside what is needed to support effective implementation of reform relating to mid-level cases, sentencing powers and routes of appeal, including priorities for resourcing, training and operational support.
Digitalisation, AI & court processes
The conference will also examine the role of digitalisation and technology in improving efficiency and supporting case progression, including how courts might best adopt digital case management systems and remote hearings, as well as options for improving data-driven performance monitoring. Discussion will consider how innovation - including the potential use of AI - might affect productivity, alongside strategic approaches to deployment to mitigate concerns relating to access to justice, digital exclusion, bias, transparency and quality of outcomes.
Productivity, system capacity & workforce development
Further discussion will focus on wider operational pressures across the system, including productivity, ineffective trials, case complexity and workforce constraints affecting the courts, legal aid, policing and prisons.
Ways to effectively integrate increased sitting days and funding commitments with reform to improve case progression, reduce delays, and address resource gaps will be assessed, looking at how such measures can be implemented to address underlying productivity challenges. Those attending will also consider approaches to improving system co-ordination and supporting sustainable workforce development, including priorities for recruitment and the role of upskilling in improving retention rates.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include a parliamentary pass-holder from the House of Commons and officials from the Ministry of Justice; HM Courts and Tribunals Service; Ministry of Defence; Crown Prosecution Service; HM Revenue and Customs; National Audit Office; Ofcom; and Home Office.
