In February 2008, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice commissioned Dr Jonathan Spencer, an external consultant, to carry out an independent review of the Civil Justice Council.
The Civil Justice Council, established in 1998, is an independent non-departmental body made up of representatives from the civil justice system. It is an advisory public body whose primary task is to promote the needs of civil justice and to monitor the system to ensure that progress to modernise it continues.
Dr Jonathan Spencer carried out the independent review of the Council in line with Cabinet Office Guidance for reviewing Public Bodies.
The report was submitted to ministers on 24 June 2008.
Review of the Civil Justice Council
Responding to the needs of users
The report recommends retention of the Council as an advisory public body but with a series of changes, set out in 27 recommendations for action. The Ministry of Justice is working closely with the Council to develop an action plan for their implementation.
- Review of the Civil Justice Council – Responding to the needs of users [PDF 355KB 68 pages]
To receive a copy of the report in an alternative format, email us.
Terms of reference
- To review the role and performance of the Civil Justice Council and make recommendations
- To evaluate the continuing need for body to perform the role and functions of the Council as set out in the Civil Procedure Act 1997
- To review whether a non-departmental body like the Council remains the most appropriate form of body to carry out those functions
- To assess the past effectiveness of the Council
- To consider ways in which the Council could be made more effective