Episodes

  • Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 2
    Nov 5 2024

    In the second part of our anti-knife crime podcast, we hear from some of the speakers who participated in the event, including Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, from the Metropolitan Police, who shares insight into the role of the police in tackling knife crime.

    We have inspiring contributions from Steel Warriors, a charity group who transform confiscated knives into outdoor street gyms. You'll also hear from other special guests from Street Doctors, who teach emergency first aid to young people, Fadi Daoud, a defence solicitor, and Courts Minister Heidi Alexander who discusses the impact of knife crime on individuals and communities.

    We’ll also be re-joined by Ian Rawlins, who’ll tell us more about how the day went and his plans to expand the event in the future.

    Tune in to hear these powerful stories and learn more about the efforts being made to combat knife crime and support young people in making positive choices.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    25 mins
  • Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 1
    Oct 29 2024

    Our latest episode of Inside HMCTS delves into an impactful anti-knife crime event held at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.

    In the first of this two-part episode, we speak with Ian Rawlins, a Legal Adviser from London, about the inspiration behind the event and the importance of educating young people on the dangers of knife crime.

    Listeners can expect to hear about the various activities and talks that were planned for the day, and find out more about a mock knife murder trial that students would be taking part in.

    Listen now to learn more about the efforts to combat knife crime and the positive impact of community engagement.

    The second instalment will be published soon, where we'll be hearing from some of those in attendance and again from Ian on how the event went on the day.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    12 mins
  • Classroom to the courtroom
    Sep 20 2024

    The latest Inside HMCTS podcast offers an insightful look into the collaboration between HMCTS and the University of Reading, providing law students with valuable real-world experiences in the criminal justice system.

    Join us as we meet District Judge Sam Goozee, Senior Legal Manager Rachel Newman, and Associate Professor Liz Conaghan as they delve into the joint outreach programme that allows students to observe court proceedings, participate in mooting, and gain first-hand experience in legal roles within HMCTS.

    Listeners will also hear from students Amber Farmer and Zahra Navarro, who share their personal experiences and the impact of the programme on their career aspirations.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal profession, offering a unique perspective on the opportunities available within HMCTS and the importance of practical experience in legal education.

    Tune in now to discover how we’re helping to shape the future of legal professionals and how this important work is making a significant difference in the lives of university law students.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    23 mins
  • Finding Resolution: Inside the Small Claims Mediation Service
    Aug 14 2024

    Discover how our Small Claims Mediation Service is helping to resolve disputes without the potential stress of having to go to court.

    In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of mediation and hear the real-life story of David Kerry, one of our satisfied users who successfully used the service to find a resolution to his dispute with a large company.

    We’ll also hear from David Franks, one of our new mediators, as he tells us more about the purpose of his role and the support available to users.

    Listen now to find out more about the recent changes to the Small Claims Mediation Service, and how the service can help to find a quicker resolution to your disputes.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    12 mins
  • Accessible Justice: courts and digital services for all
    Apr 3 2024

    In our fourth episode of Inside HMCTS podcast, we focus on how we’re making our courts and tribunals more accessible for everyone and how we are supporting people to use our online services.

    When people need to come to one of our courts or tribunals, or use our online services, they may require need extra help. We’re committed to removing common barriers people may face to make sure they can access justice at an equal level.

    You'll hear from Mike Williams, Deputy Director of Service Excellence, about how court users can request adjustments when visiting one of our buildings and how the Human Voice of Justice is improving our communication.

    We also speak to the team at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, to find out about how they are overcoming accessibility challenges at the historic site and we find out what support is available for those who need a helping hand when completing digital forms.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    22 mins
  • Unveiling justice: Showcasing our courts at public open days
    Jan 30 2024

    In the third episode of the Inside HMCTS podcast, we discuss the benefits to those members of the public able to join us at an open day in their local court or tribunal.

    Open days offer great opportunities to give local communities the chance to take a look behind the scenes of justice being delivered in their local area. They demonstrate openness and transparency around the vital public service that we deliver at HMCTS, in an engaging and informative way. 

    We spoke to Jordana Allen-Rowlandson, a Crown Court Clerk and Molly Seymour, the Delivery Manager at Crime Lincolnshire who organised open days last year at Winchester and Lincoln Crown Courts.

    We also hear from some visitors to an open day at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in September last year, about their experiences.


    Join us as we take a look behind the scenes and reflect on some of the unexpected opportunities a visit to an open day provided some of our visitors last year.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    16 mins
  • Neurodiversity and remote hearings
    Dec 21 2023

    In our latest episode, we're focusing on an important and timely topic – making courts and tribunals more accessible for neurodivergent people.

    Neurodiversity, expresses the diverse ways people think, interpret, and process information, and it is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure justice is accessible to everyone.

    Our host, Liz Bryant, talks to Nicky Reynolds, Deputy Director of the Future Hearings Programme, and Adam Micklethwaite, Director of The Autism Alliance.

    Nicky sheds light on what neurodiversity is and the different needs neurodivergent people can have, it’s clear there’s no one size fits all.

    As they discuss remote hearings - conducted online with participants in different locations - the podcast explores the ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility for neurodivergent people within the justice system.

    Adam shares insights into autism, highlighting the individual nature of the experience. They delve into the challenges autistic people may face in accessing justice, emphasising the importance of an inclusive society. The discussion then turns to HMCTS's Video Hearing Service, a bespoke solution designed for remote participation, and Adam provides valuable feedback on its potential benefits and areas for improvement.

    As they explore the broader landscape of neurodivergence, the conversation emphasises the need for user-centered design, active engagement with neurodivergent communities, and meticulous preparation to create an inclusive and accessible justice system.

    Join us in this insightful dialogue, as we work towards a future where everyone can access justice with ease and dignity.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    19 mins
  • Reducing the heat: what to expect from our online divorce service
    Nov 16 2023

    In this episode, we discuss the benefits of a modernised divorce process.

    Since 2016, HMCTS has been transforming court services after the government invested £1.3 billion into the reform of our justice system.

    Hear from those working behind the scenes who help deliver a modernised online divorce process, and from those who have used the service on what to expect.

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    For full transcript of each episode, please visit - Inside HMCTS

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    25 mins