The Courts Service has published its Communication and engagement strategy 2026–2030, setting out plans to make information clearer, improve digital channels and strengthen engagement with court users, partners and the public.
Published on 12 November 2026, the strategy is the organisation’s second communications plan. It will guide work over the next five years and support the Courts Service Modernisation Programme and its vision for a modern court system.
Courts Service communication strategy focuses on accessibility
The Courts Service said the new plan builds on progress made under its first strategy. That work included improving the clarity of information, access to services and engagement with people who use the courts system.
Maura Howe, Head of Communications, said that the independence of the courts means there are circumstances in which it is not appropriate for the Courts Service to comment on proceedings. As a result, she said, clear, accessible and trustworthy information is particularly important.
The new strategy aims to help people find, understand and use court-related information more easily, while ensuring communication remains consistent across the organisation.
Four priorities for 2026 to 2030
The Courts Service communication strategy identifies four main areas of focus:
- Clearer and more accessible information: The Courts Service plans to use plain language and draw on the International Standard on Plain Language, including ISO 24495 Part 2 on Legal Communication.
- Stronger engagement: The organisation will continue working with court users and partners to improve collaboration and understand their needs.
- Greater public understanding: The strategy seeks to increase awareness of the Courts Service and explain how the courts system operates.
- Improved communication channels: Website content, social media and other channels will be developed so reliable information is easier to find when it is needed.
Feedback to shape implementation
The strategy was informed by feedback gathered from staff, court users and partners during 2025. The Courts Service said that feedback will continue to influence the strategy throughout its lifetime.
This approach places user experience at the centre of the plan. Rather than treating communication as a one-off publication exercise, the Courts Service intends to use ongoing feedback to refine how it presents information and engages with the public.
Why the strategy matters to court users
People dealing with courts may need to understand procedures, locate services or identify reliable updates at an important moment. Clearer language and improved online information could make those tasks more straightforward, particularly for users who are unfamiliar with legal terminology or court processes.
The plan does not change the constitutional independence of the courts. Instead, it recognises that accurate public information is essential when the Courts Service cannot comment on individual proceedings.
The full Communication and engagement strategy 2026–2030 is available through the Courts Service website.
Key takeaway
The Courts Service communication strategy 2026–2030 sets a five-year direction for clearer information, better digital services and more meaningful engagement. Its success will depend on how consistently the commitments are delivered and how effectively feedback from court users informs future improvements.
