The Court Service is part of the Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) and was established as an executive agency in April 1995.
It employs around 9,600 staff in its courts and offices throughout England and Wales. The purpose of the Court Service is the delivery of justice. It carries out the administration and support work of courts and tribunals in England and Wales (excluding Magistrates' Courts, which are supported by a separate locally administered service).
Further information about the Court Service is available on its website.
Regular reviews are a key component of the Government's commitment to improving the quality and effectiveness of Public Services. As a result, all executive agencies are required to undergo regular, usually five-yearly ("quinquennial") reviews carried out in accordance with the guidance published by the Cabinet Office.
Quinquennial Reviews examine the role and organisation of an agency, and consider what form of governance is appropriate. In the case of the Court Service, the Review will examine the continuing need for the functions carried out by the Court Service and whether those functions are best carried out, as now, by an executive agency and with the current structure, or by an organisation(s) with an alternative status and structure.
A Quinquennial Review of the Court Service was announced by press notice on 30 October 2001. Its Terms of Reference are available.
Mr Kenneth MacKenzie CB has been appointed to carry out the Review. He was formerly the Secretary and Head of the Scottish Executive Development Department. He retired from that position in March 2001.
Mr MacKenzie would welcome the comments and contributions on any aspect of the Quinquennial Review from all with an interest in the Court Service and its work.
In particular, he would appreciate views on all, or any, of the following issues:
Whether the functions currently exercised by the Court Service continue to be required.
If so, whether the current status of the Court Service as an executive agency of LCD provides the most appropriate means of the delivery of court services over the next five years as against privatisation, NDPB status or reversion to LCD.
How well has the Court Service performed against its aims, key targets and service standards since it became an agency?
How responsive has the Court Service been to the requirements of its stakeholders including users with special needs?
How easy and accessible have you found it to deal with the Court Service on particular issues? Do you have the opportunity to suggest improvements in services or provision of information?
How user friendly is the Court Service's complaints procedure and does it provide an effective remedy if things go wrong?
Examples of good and not so good practice in the way the Court Service has delivered its services.
Whether the present structure of the Court Service optimally meets the different needs of criminal, civil and family business.
Whether the physical (local/regional) structure and field/HQ relationships of the Court Service meet the requirements of service delivery.
Whether the Court Service is making the best use of its staff resources.
Whether the Court Service is making the best use of new technology.
Whether the Court Service's funding arrangements are the most appropriate to enable it to achieve its aims and objectives over the next five years and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
Contributions should be sent by 11th January 2002 to Kenneth MacKenzie at the address below.
Please say if you have any objections to publication of your comments, including publication on this website.
Court Service Quinquennial Review Team
8th Floor
Millbank Tower
London SW1P 4QU
DX 117000
Telephone: 020-7217 4324
E-mail: Kenneth MacKenzie
We will publish updates on the progress of the Review on this website.
Please contact the Review Team if you require further information on any aspect of the Review.