“Transforming the Criminal Justice System”

Tuesday 15th July 2014 Written Statements

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Chris Grayling)]

I will today publish the “Transforming the Criminal Justice System—Strategy and Action Plan Implementation Update”. The plan sets out the progress we have made since publishing the first version of this plan on 28 June 2013.

Since publishing last year’s plan, I have met a large number of victims of crime, and worked closely with the Victims’ Commissioner, who I appointed to give victims a voice at the heart of Government. This has brought me fresh insight into how our criminal justice agencies serve some of the most vulnerable members of the public. We will do more to make sure that their interests are put first.

In this year’s plan, I have identified three key priorities to continue the transformation that we began last year. I have put improving the experience of victims and witnesses at the heart of this plan. I want to digitise the criminal justice system so that we can streamline processes and I want cases to be dealt with at the appropriate level and in a timely manner. These changes are particularly important in the magistrates’ and Crown courts where better ways of working will make the system more efficient and effective.

In addition, we will improve the way the criminal justice system deals with specific crimes that require an enhanced response, specifically: sexual violence, domestic violence and abuse, hate crime, modern slavery and cyber-crime.

The Criminal Justice Board, comprising senior leaders from across the criminal justice system, will oversee the implementation of this plan. We will develop and sustain a high-performing, efficient and effective criminal justice system that benefits victims and witnesses.

Copies of the paper will be available in the Vote Office and in the Printed Paper Office. The document will also be available online at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-the-criminal-justice-system-strategy-and-action-plan