MoJ launches committee to oversee development of online proceedings rules across the Civil, Family and Tribunals jurisdictions

Online Procedure Rule Committee will also oversee data and behavioural standards for online dispute resolution before proceedings are brought

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched an Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) that will oversee the development of online proceedings rules across the Civil, Family and Tribunals jurisdictions.

Led by the Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos – who has been an enthusiastic advocate for the introduction of an integrated online civil justice 'funnel' through which all disputes can pass – the MoJ confirms that the committee's other members are –

  • Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division;
  • Sir Keith Lindblom, Senior President of Tribunals;
  • Brett Dixon, legal expert;
  • Sarah Stephens, expert in the lay advice sector; and
  • Gerard Boyers, technology expert.

The MoJ advises that the remit of the committee will be to –

'… oversee the development of rules for online proceedings across the Civil, Family and Tribunals jurisdictions, as well as data and behavioural standards for online dispute resolution before proceedings are brought to a court or tribunal.'

Justice Minister Lord Bellamy said –

'It is vital that digital court processes are governed by rules more suited to evolving technologies, and the creation of this committee secures the government’s longstanding commitment to leading the way in making this a reality.

The work of the OPRC will help make online court and tribunal services more accessible, encouraging more people to resolve their disputes early and helping them get the timely and specialist support they need.'

Sir Geoffrey said –

'I am delighted to be leading the new Online Procedure Rule Committee.

The OPRC will oversee the creation of an end-to-end digital journey allowing people to resolve their disputes more quickly and efficiently. It will provide the necessary governance for the digital justice system as it develops.'

NB – the committee, which has been constituted under the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, will hold its first meeting on 26 June 2023.

For more information, see New Online Procedure Rule Committee launched from gov.uk