IfJ is a charity that provides an automated referral service between solicitors, courts and intermediaries (IfJ members) who have registered to receive referrals.
Vulnerable Defendants, and vulnerable people in Family, Civil and Tribunal Cases
Since the introduction of the HMCTS Approved Intermediary Service (HAIS) on 1st April 2022, only Intermediaries approved by HMCTS have been allowed to work in the Justice system with vulnerable defendants, and vulnerable people in Family Court and Tribunal Hearings. Further information about HAIS can be found on the government website.
(Please note IfJ is independent of HMCTS).
The Managed and Approved Service Providers (MASPs) (i.e.organisations) currently providing intermediary services are Aspire, Communicourt, The Intermediary Cooperative and Triangle.
The list of current Approved Service Providers (ASPs) (i.e. sole trader providers of intermediary services) is available here - HMCTS approved service providers (ASPs) of intermediary services - GOV.UK
There is more information about HMCTS Approved Intermediary services on the government website.
Vulnerable Witnesses
Registered Intermediaries work with vulnerable witnesses in the criminal courts as part of the Ministry of Justice's (MoJ) Witness Intermediary Scheme (see Ministry of Justice Witness Intermediary Scheme - GOV.UK ). Please note IfJ cannot offer a referral system for Registered Intermediaries and requests must be made via the MoJ.
Fitness to Practise proceedings, Vulnerable Suspects, Immigration Tribunals and other emerging arenas requiring Intermediary Assistance
Registered Intermediaries and Court Approved Intermediaries who are suitably experienced may wish to work outside of the respective Witness Intermediary Scheme and HMCTS Approved Intermediary Service for other areas of work not covered by these services.
They can choose to assist vulnerable suspects and vulnerable people in Fitness to Practise proceedings, Immigration Tribunals and emerging areas of intermediary work as an Intermediary.
In general terms, this IfJ referral system is used by solicitors. To request an intermediary please use the form below.
PLEASE DO NOT email us directly requesting an intermediary or with confidential information as this is not a secure email address.
For more information on requesting an intermediary, see our Guide: How to Request an Intermediary.
You can use this request form to find an intermediary for pre-trial assessments, interviews/written statements, court appearances and hearings/trials. Please be aware that intermediaries have very full diaries and as much notice as possible will give the best chance of positive responses.
Your referral request is automatically sent to all intermediaries working in the selected area and with the appropriate skill set. If an intermediary is available for the requested dates, they will contact you directly.
Intermediaries for Justice does not directly employ or engage intermediaries. Please note that if the intermediary who takes your case is unable to fulfil your requirements, it is your responsibility to re-request via the form below. IfJ strongly advises that you do not make use of personal recommendations. You will then be assured that you are working with a qualified intermediary who is a member of IfJ.
If you have any further queries please email here.
If you are a member of the public and would like to know how an intermediary can help you, find out more about intermediaries here.
