Intermediary services are now available under a new HMCTS contract framework. The framework aims to introduce a number of changes including standardised processes for booking, managing and making payment for the services of an intermediary.
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Intermediaries play a crucial role in our Youth Justice System; they ensure that children and young people are able to effectively participate in Court proceedings.
The new HMCTS Framework introduces two categories of intermediary services; Approved Services Providers (ASP) and Managed and Approved Services Providers (MASP). ASP are smaller, or sole trader, providers of intermediary services. A full list of ASP can be found here. Communicourt, Triangle and The Intermediary Cooperative are all MASP. As Communicourt and The Intermediary Cooperative have an online booking system, the new assessment and attendance booking forms do not need to be completed.
For cases funded by Legal Aid, CRM 4 applications for funding will still need to be submitted to the Legal Aid Agency in the usual way – see Intermediaries for Child Defendants for guidance on instructing an intermediary.
For more information on using the service, see the Gov.UK website here.
Written by Sabrina Neves, Solicitor, GT Stewart Solicitors