HMCTS intermediary services
How to access intermediary services if you need communication support at a court or tribunal hearing.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
In Scotland this guidance only applies to HMCTS tribunals.
About HMCTS intermediary services
Intermediaries are communication specialists who work on behalf of HMCTS to support people participating in a court or tribunal hearing. They provide impartial recommendations to HMCTS about a person’s specific communication needs and outline the steps needed to achieve them.
This could include:
- the types of questions that are likely to get the best response
- the types of questions that should not be asked
- how long the person will need to answer a question
- when the person may need a break
Intermediaries can then support the person at a court or tribunal hearing, or at conferences to prepare for a hearing. They can:
- help to rephrase any questions the person does not understand
- make sure the person can understand and follow what is happening
An intermediary can support someone who:
- is a child attending court
- has a physical, neurological, or mental health condition that affects their ability to participate fully during a hearing
HMCTS provides intermediary support for:
- defendants in criminal cases
- all parties in family, civil and tribunal cases
Witnesses and complainants who need intermediary support to give evidence in criminal trials, must use the Ministry of Justice Witness Intermediary Scheme.
There are 2 types of HMCTS approved intermediary services:
- Managed and approved service providers (MASPs) are larger organisations, with intermediary services available nationally
- Approved service providers (ASPs) are self-employed individuals who provide specialist intermediary services
Other support services
Intermediaries are communication specialists and cannot be used in place of other support services. There are other services that may be more suitable for you:
- McKenzie friends
- Litigation friends
- Lay advocates
You may also need to read the guidance on going to court to give evidence as a victim or witness. This includes information on court support services available to victims and witnesses.
Get intermediary support
If you are not legally represented, you can ask for intermediary support from the court or tribunal where the hearing will take place. If approved, the court or tribunal will arrange an assessment on your behalf.
You can make your request by email, post or in person at a hearing. Find out how to contact the court of tribunal.
If you are legally represented, your legal representative can make the arrangements for you.
If you are a legal representative
You can request an assessment of your client’s needs from an approved HMCTS provider.
See the request an assessment page for information about funding. See the approved HMCTS providers page for guidance on feedback and our policy around the use of non-approved providers.
Once the assessment is complete, you can:
Become an appointed intermediary
You can apply to HMCTS to become an approved service provider. Applications open every 6 months. To request further information, email HMCTSContractedServices@justice.gov.uk.
To join a managed and approved service provider, contact them directly. See our list of managed and approved service providers.
Further help and support
If you have any further questions about HMCTS appointed intermediary services, email HMCTSContractedServices@justice.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
Last updated 28 September 2022 + show all updates
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Change to direct to the assessment request form for conferences rather than the hearing booking form
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First published.