In response to national security concerns, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has undertaken a comprehensive review of safety measures across the courts and tribunals estate. This review extends to locations where judicial hearings occur, including hospital and trust premises where HMCTS conducts mental health hearings.

As part of this initiative, HMCTS has proactively reached out to over 820+ MH hearing venues, requesting confirmation that the rooms utilised on their premises adhere to minimum safety and security requirements. Additionally, HMCTS has published guidance specifically tailored for tribunal hearings.

While the survey is still ongoing, HMCTS has made a challenging decision: suspending face-to-face hearings at venues that either fail to meet the minimum safety standards or have not responded to confirm compliance. This suspension will remain in effect until HMCTS gains a clearer understanding of the issues at each hospital and can promptly address them.

For venues where the safety of panel members remains uncertain, cases will be listed as ‘Video Hearing Only’. Exceptions will be considered if there are specific medical or other reasons why a patient cannot participate in a video hearing. In such cases, the representative may apply, and the matter will be referred to a Designated Tribunal Judge (DTJ) for listing directions.

However, in compliant venues, patients will retain the option to choose between face-to-face or video hearings. HMCTS will continually update this list as safety and security standards are met.