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Military Court Service found to be effective, well-led and highly regarded, says HMCPSI

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Inspectors praise strong leadership, exemplary in-court technology and effective support for victims and witnesses, following inspection of service supporting the Service Justice System.

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has today [27 August 2026] published a report following an inspection, conducted at the invitation of the Military Court Service (MCS), which found the MCS to be an effective, well-led and highly regarded organisation that plays a crucial role within the Service Justice System (SJS).

 Inspectors found clear operational purpose, visible leadership and strong working relationships with the judiciary, advocates, the Probation Service and other justice partners. The MCS was described by stakeholders as accessible, helpful and solutions focused.

Among its strengths, the MCS’s in-court and portable courtroom technology was found to be reliable, flexible and well supported, enabling effective participation and supporting court delivery across both permanent and temporary locations. Inspectors observed a portable court being established at Aldergrove in Belfast, where a disused military facility was converted into an operational courtroom for a week-long trial, demonstrating the MCS’s ability to deliver a fully functioning court almost anywhere in the world while maintaining the same standards of service.

Victim and witness support was also identified as a clear strength. The inspection found effective arrangements for separation, privacy, special measures and practical support, available consistently across both permanent court centres and temporary or overseas locations.

Inspectors did identify opportunities to strengthen the service further. This included recommending the timely implementation of a single, secure digital court listing and case progression system, to replace the administrative systems currently used behind the scenes, such as spreadsheets and manual checks, which are separate from the courtroom technology used during hearings.

HMCPSI Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers said:

 “The Military Court Service’s work often goes unseen, but it is fundamental to deliver fair and effective justice for those who serve. This inspection shows a service that combines impressive in-court technology with genuine care for victims and witnesses, wherever in the world a court is needed.

“The Military Court Service invited us in because it recognised the value of independent scrutiny, and that willingness to be challenged is itself a sign of a mature and responsible, organisation. Our recommendations are not about fixing failure, they are about helping the service protect and build on what is already working well, so that this standard of justice is enhanced in the long term.”

The report also highlighted other areas of strong performance within MCS, including:

  • effective and proactive case progression, helping to keep cases trial-ready and reduce drift
  • a committed, knowledgeable and flexible workforce with a strong culture of shared responsibility
  • strong stakeholder relationships and effective day-to-day communication with the judiciary, advocates and other court users
  • Strong senior leadership who maintains robust governance and close oversight