Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has today published a progress update on their work to improve the data collected by the courts and tribunals. The progress update details the steps that have been taken in response to recommendations set out in The Legal Education Foundation’s Digital Justice report. It has been published alongside a new data strategy for HMCTS which sets out a bold ambition for the way in which data will be used by the organisation in the future.

Responding to the publication, The Legal Education Foundation’s Director of Research, Dr Natalie Byrom stated:

“It is positive to see the recognition by HMCTS of the critical importance of data in delivering a courts and tribunals system that works better for everyone. HMCTS has embraced an ambitious vision for data– now is the time to accelerate action to deliver this vision.

Improving the data infrastructure is essential to effectively tackle the key challenges facing the justice system such as the current courts backlog. Collecting data to understand and evaluate the efficacy of different approaches to tackling case backlogs is critical to ensuring public money is being spent effectively. Work to improve the information we have on the experience of individuals who rely on the courts system is critical to building back fairer. Action to ensure that data collection and sharing practices do not move beyond public acceptability is vital to maintain public trust in the courts.

The Treasury has just provided MoJ with a generous financial settlement in the recent Spending Review. I urge HMCTS to use this opportunity and additional funding to set out a clear plan with measurable objectives to tackle the current data deficit across our justice system.”