Speeches by Dixon.

“As I understand it, there has been a pilot where these designated family judges are operating with delivery partners to do a deep dive analysis.”

“Is that what you would be recommending?”

“Do we have data on how many cases actually do get continuity?”

“Does continuity of the judge play any role in this?”

“Yes, that is the one. There is also Pathfinder, but I am speaking about Trailblazer. You will have heard from our previous witnesses that there are many different reasons for delay; you have touched on some yourself. Could you just reflect on what has been successful about that pilot, both in terms of identifying delay…”

“We heard from our witnesses about problems such as needing to get repeat expert input. You mentioned that some of the delay is due to legal aid cuts, and more people effectively representing themselves. I am guessing that not all of those issues are within the control of a designated family judge. What are the other st…”

“But do you have any insights yourself?”

“May I come in with just a very small follow-up on this? I was talking to the grandfather of Star Hobson; people will know the tragic case in Bradford, where a child was murdered by a cohabiting partner of the mother. Obviously he was not involved in the discussions about child protection. I just wanted to ensure that t…”

“I am conscious that we are keeping the president waiting, so I am going to make sure it is punchy. You will be pleased to know that the Public Accounts Committee has asked specifically that we get a joined-up data and evidence strategy within six months, with all the various parties working together on that. Given ever…”

“Hence, I said basic demographics are a given. Dame Nicole Jacobs?”

“Sir Andrew, you mentioned the designated family judge approach. I understood it to be a pilot, or were you suggesting that it is now usual business?”

“For the other witnesses, what are your thoughts about what needs to be done to address this fragmentation in governance? Are there other solutions that you would be proposing? Jacky, do you want to go first?”

“As I understand it, there has been a pilot where these designated family judges are operating with delivery partners to do a deep dive analysis.”

“Jane, you mentioned that you are doing what sounds like an internal redesign and review of legal aid that is just getting started. What is the timescale for that to deliver some benefits and proposals for restructure? Do you think some of them will require changes to legislation?”

“Have you identified other areas where you think fees also need reviewing?”

“It would be extremely helpful, in due course, to get more information about how many of those gaps still exist and what your mitigations are, as well as the progress you are making on closing those gaps in access to legal aid.”

“Okay. We are going to come on to the cyber-attack now, aren’t we, Chair?”

“Before I move on to my substantive question, I want to pick up the point about litigation in person, if I have understood it correctly, and some of the points about identification of vulnerable persons. I know we were talking about that in the context of legal aid, but it is also relevant at the stage of court proceedi…”

“I am sorry, but can I just probe that? The point is about having access to a record of proceedings, particularly in the case of employment tribunals where there has been a reliance on judges’ notes and difficulty in getting transcripts of the proceedings in a timely way so that people can make appeals to the JCIO. It i…”

“In that case, it could change from in-person to remote hearings partway through. That application can be made at any stage.”