Our work

Background | Terms of reference of the Family Justice Council | Activities | Business plan | Annual reports | Speeches, reports, press notices and consultation papers | Our responses to consultation papers | Papers drafted by our committees

Background

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is responsible for delivering civil, criminal and family justice systems in England and Wales. Delivery is facilitated by consultation with stakeholders and, in the family justice system, by active co-operation between the wide range of stakeholder disciplines and agencies.

Following public consultation in 2002, Ministers approved the establishment of the Family Justice Council and members have been appointed through open competition.

Terms of Reference of the Family Justice Council

The Family Justice Council aims to facilitate the delivery of better and quicker outcomes for families and children who use the family justice system. The Council's primary role is to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to family justice, and through consultation and research, to monitor how effectively the system both as a whole and through its component parts delivers the service the Government and the public need and to advise on reforms necessary for continuous improvement.  In particular it will;    

Promote improved interdisciplinary working across the family justice system through inclusive discussion, communication and co-ordination between all agencies, including by way of seminars and conferences as appropriate; 
Identify and disseminate best practice throughout the family justice system by facilitating a mutual exchange of information between local family justice councils and the national Council,  including information on local initiatives, and by identifying priorities for, and encouraging the conduct of, research;
Provide guidance and direction to achieve consistency of practice throughout the family justice system and submit proposals for new practice directions where appropriate;
Provide advice and make recommendations to Government on changes to legislation, practice and procedure, which will improve the workings of the family justice system.

Revised August 2006

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Activities

A Business Plan will be agreed with MoJ Ministers for each year's activities
The Family Justice Council will be expected to meet four times a year, in London.
It will be supported by a dedicated secretariat based with the President of the Family Division.
The Family Justice Council has authority to appoint sub-committees or working groups to do detailed work where needed.
The Family Justice Council will be required to publish a yearly report.



Business Plan


Annual reports


Meetings with Stakeholders


Speeches, Reports, Press Notices and Consultation Papers


Our responses to consultation papers


Papers drafted by our Committees


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