Communicourt COVID-19 UPDATE

We will continue to work both face to face and remotely, depending on what is deemed appropriate in the circumstances by the court.

Last reviewed January 2022

We are reviewing our practices regularly and consulting with practitioners and stakeholders to provide the most effective and appropriate service

• We are meeting regularly with key individuals at HMCTS to ensure we are following the latest protocols and guidance

Assessments

• We are conducting remote and face to face assessments with vulnerable people once we have funding in place
• Access to technology and a distraction free environment are key to the success or otherwise of a remote assessment. We realise that some solicitors may be able to facilitate an effective environment at their offices
• We have a waiting list of approximately 4-5 weeks for assessments
• We continue to process assessment referrals and provide documentation for obtaining funding. You can make a referral through our portal at https://communicourt.odooplus.uk/
• We are seeing steep rises in the traffic and referrals on our portal. An early referral will ensure that your client can be assessed in time for any scheduled hearings

Hearings and Trials (Remote)

• We have trained our staff how best to support vulnerable people remotely
• We have written guidance about things such as discussions to have at a Ground Rules Hearing. We are discussing and reflecting on our practice, and constantly developing our skills as a team of intermediaries
• We believe that every hearing should start with a Ground Rules Hearing, but this is even more important when the hearing is remote or hybrid. Access to technology and the effectiveness of its use will vary greatly from hearing to hearing, and from person to person, according to their communication needs.  It is therefore imperative that the rules and guidance around effective communication with that person are discussed at the start of each hearing

Hearings and Trials (Face to Face)

• Communicourt can provide intermediaries to work with vulnerable people face to face
• Communicourt has over 50 intermediaries working across England and Wales, who travel long distances to work with vulnerable people, usually on public transport. When an intermediary is required to attend a face to face hearing, wherever possible we will assign the work to the closest intermediary. This may be a different practitioner to the intermediary the vulnerable person has met or worked with in the past
• If a court books an intermediary for a face to face hearing, they should consider the social distancing practices required by the intermediary, and discuss these with the intermediary at a GRH before any work is undertaken

Commitment to staff

• We continue to support our staff’s wellbeing and professional skills during this period and are keeping them regularly updated as the situation unfolds
• Our staff have always had access to an independent counselling service and this is still available to them throughout this period
• We are regularly updating our staff through remote meetings on the key decisions the organisation is making

Support team

• Our head office is open and the support team are working on site. They will be able to answer any queries you may have and can be reached, as usual, on 0121 663 0931 or on admin@communicourt.co.uk
• Queries may take longer due to the complex nature of the current situation, and we thank you for your patience during this difficult time.