About Her Majesty's Courts Service
Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Our remit is to deliver justice effectively and efficiently to the public.
Our goal is that:
“All citizens according to their differing needs are entitled to access to justice, whether as victims of crime, defendants accused of crimes, consumers in debt, children in need of care, or business people in commercial disputes. Our aim is to ensure that access is provided as quickly as possible and at the lowest cost consistent with open justice and that citizens have greater confidence in, and respect for, the system of justice.”
How HMCS is organised
HMCS is structured into 25 areas within 7 regions, together with the Royal Courts of Justice group whose role includes the administration of the Court of Appeal, High Court and Probate Service.
What we do
HMCS provides administration and support for the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Crown Court, the magistrates' courts, the county courts and the Probate Service.
Business strategy (PDF 249.72Kb)
Our business strategy sets out the objectives for creating a court service that is modern, efficient and fit for the 21st century. Our strategic goal focuses on access to justice, reducing cost, reducing delay, leading to a transformation of services by 2010.
Business plan
Our business plan sets out our key role in delivering three of MoJ’s priorities over the next five years:
To reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting the rights of the law abiding citizen and making our communities safer.
To protect the vulnerable, especially children at risk and the socially excluded.
To enable people to resolve their problems better by promoting and delivering faster and more effective dispute resolution.
Annual report
Our annual report sets out our achievements against the objectives set out in our business plan.
Partners in the justice system
HMCS is committed to working closely with our partner organisations, working with the Home Office, the Office for Criminal Justice Reform, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Police.
Working for us
Our current vacancies, career opportunities and career guidance on working for HMCS.
Disability equality
We promote disability equality within our courts and for our customers. The MoJ Disability Equality Scheme sets out our priorities for action for 2008 - 2011.
Reasonable adjustments guidance (PDF, 348KB)
Standard for equality and diversity (PDF, 135KB)
Standard for equality and diversity - standard delivery plan 2009/10 (PDF, 138KB)
Disability advice facsheets (PDF, 149KB)
The history of HMCS
A brief history of the courts and HMCS, together with information on roles and buildings of interest.
Contact us
Contact details for HMCS.