A ‘strong consensus’ and a ‘commitment to a change in culture’ is needed to improve the efficiency of the family justice system, according to the senior judge charged with reform. In his first published update since being appointed to lead the modernisation of family justice, Mr Justice Ryder sets out a ‘challenging timetable’ to agree proposals on a programme to put in place the recommendations of the Norgrove review by the time his appointment ends at the end of July.

Key areas for work include governance, the unified court, judicial deployment, gatekeeping and allocation and case management. The programme will also draw up a plan for common training and guidance materials.

Ryder said that the judiciary will be expected to consider, among other issues, ‘delay, a culture change in respect of the management of children cases and the use of experts, judicial continuity, case progression, compliance and enhanced interdisciplinary working and training.’

He added: ‘I am convinced that, for further change to be effective, there will need to be a strong consensus and a commitment to a change in culture from all who contribute to the family justice system.’

Ryder’s post was created following the publication of the interim findings of the Norgrove review in May 2011, which identified the need for a judicial lead to implement change. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, approved the formation of the Family Business Authority as a committee of HM Courts and Tribunals Service to make decisions in relation to the family justice system.

Ryder said the pace of work will accelerate when the government publishes its response to the Norgrove review, expected in the next few weeks. He said representative groups will need to be ‘listened to again’ with their ideas on the workstreams, leading to draft guidance and plans. Proposals will also need to be considered with senior colleagues in other jurisdictions because of the impact they may have on the work of other courts.