Litigants in Person Guide to Video Hearings in 2025: Tech Setup and Presentation Tips
Navigating a 2025 UK Employment Tribunal video hearing? Master technical setup, evidence prep, and virtual etiquette with this guide to ensure a smooth, successful remote tribunal experience.
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Understanding Employment Tribunal Video Hearings
Employment Tribunal hearings across Great Britain have changed dramatically over recent years. Remote methods have become standard practice when public health concerns or distance make attending in person challenging. You can now join hearings through:
- Telephone participation
- Video platforms like the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) or the newer Video Hearings service
- Hybrid approaches combining remote and on-site elements
This shift makes justice more accessible while cutting your travel time and expenses. The system maintains secure public viewing options when appropriate, keeping proceedings transparent. As tribunals modernise, you benefit from greater flexibility while the courts maintain their commitment to fairness and proper legal process.
The Role of the Judge in Determining Hearing Format
Every judge has full authority to decide what format works best for your specific hearing. They base this choice on how complex your case is and what special needs you might have.
Take witness testimony from overseas as an example. Additional procedures kick in, often requiring consultation with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The judge makes sure the chosen format maintains the integrity and fairness you deserve from the tribunal system.
This careful review means that while remote options are available, the fundamental principles of justice stay strong. Your rights remain protected regardless of whether you attend virtually or in person.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Hearings
Video hearings offer several advantages:
- Cut travel costs and save commuting time
- Provide more flexibility in participation
- Allow participation from familiar spaces
- Help reduce the stress of formal legal proceedings
- Make it easier for the public to observe hearings safely
However, remote hearings present challenges:
- Technical issues like poor internet connections
- Difficulties managing electronic documents
- Potential disruptions to hearing fairness
What steps can you take to avoid these pitfalls?
Thorough preparation becomes your best defence against technical problems. This prevents remote participation from affecting your rights or the fairness of your hearing.
The Evolving Legal and Regulatory Framework
Video hearings operate under solid legal foundations, particularly the Employment Tribunals (Rules of Procedure) 2013. HM Courts & Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice oversee these rules, making sure your hearing follows strict legal standards, whether it's remote or face-to-face.
Updated presidential guidance and regular revisions to platform instructions keep pace with technological changes. This developing framework embraces modern tools while preserving traditional accountability and thorough evidence review.
The medium might have changed, but the commitment to sound legal practice remains rock-solid. Your case receives the same rigorous attention as it would in a traditional courtroom setting.
Pre-Hearing Preparation Essentials
Getting ready for your Employment Tribunal video hearing requires careful attention to multiple details. Your technical setup, document organisation, and legal preparation all play crucial roles in how effectively you can present your case.
Proper groundwork gives you the best chance to communicate clearly and avoid technical disruptions during the hearing. Each element of preparation builds on the others to create a strong foundation for your case presentation.
Essential Technical Setup and Environment
Essential technical setup requirements:
- Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone
- Establish a stable, high-speed internet connection
- Keep your device fully charged or connected to reliable power
- Install an up-to-date web browser or required application
- Test your internet speed, audio, and video well before the hearing date
- Choose a quiet, professional space with good lighting
Technology specialist and tribunal consultant James Parker notes: "The most common cause of hearing disruption is inadequate internet testing. Participants should test their connection at the same time of day as their scheduled hearing to account for network traffic variations."
Consider your background and lighting too. Choose a quiet, professional-looking space with good lighting that shows your face clearly. This attention to your environment reinforces your credibility during the proceedings.
Receiving and Reviewing Joining Instructions
The tribunal sends detailed instructions through email, text messages, or post before your hearing. These instructions contain the secure link for joining, your login details, and guidance on any required platform tests.
If these messages don't appear in your main inbox, check your junk or spam folders. Spam filters sometimes catch important tribunal communications, so a thorough search prevents last-minute panic.
Make sure the tribunal has your current phone number and email address. This step helps you receive all critical updates promptly, keeping you informed about any changes or additional requirements.
Save these instructions in multiple places and print a backup copy. Technical problems can strike at the worst moments, so having alternative access to your joining details provides peace of mind.
Document and Evidence Preparation
Having all relevant documents ready and organised makes a huge difference during your hearing. Prepare a well-structured bundle that includes chronological evidence, such as emails, contracts, meeting notes, and witness statements, supporting your case.
This bundle serves as the main reference point for you and the tribunal throughout the hearing. Should disputes arise about document relevance or validity, you need to highlight each file's importance clearly and quickly.
For remote hearings, consider keeping extra copies of key documents on a second device or as printed copies nearby. This backup approach helps you reference materials easily if your main device encounters problems.
Organise documents by date and topic to help you find specific evidence quickly during questioning. Label each section clearly and create an index if your bundle is extensive.
Legal Support and Special Arrangements
Review available legal resources and consider getting help from a qualified representative if possible. If you work with a solicitor or barrister, establish clear communication methods for during the hearing.
Several charities and organisations support people representing themselves in employment tribunals. Groups like Citizens Advice and law centres often provide free guidance that can strengthen your preparation.
Do you have specific needs that might affect your participation?
Inform the tribunal well ahead of time if you need an interpreter, extra breaks, or arrangements to prevent other parties from seeing you. The tribunal can make reasonable adjustments that support fair participation for everyone involved.
These advanced arrangements help create an environment where you can present your case without unnecessary barriers or disadvantages.
Managing Your Employment Tribunal Video Hearing
Understanding proper conduct and procedures during your hearing helps you participate effectively and professionally. Every aspect of your behaviour, from how you address the judge to managing technical requirements, influences how your case unfolds.
Staying aware of expected etiquette and procedural guidelines keeps your participation both respectful and impactful throughout the session.
General Conduct and Etiquette
Treat your video hearing with the same seriousness as an in-person courtroom appearance. The Employment Judge or panel starts by explaining procedures and outlining the rules you need to follow during the session.
Employment Judge Sarah Mitchell of Birmingham Employment Tribunal advises: "Treating video hearings with the same formality as in-person proceedings is crucial. The technology may be different, but the legal standards and expectations remain identical."
Address the judge formally using respectful titles like "Sir" or "Madam" throughout the hearing. Keep your microphone muted when you're not speaking to prevent background noise from disrupting proceedings.
Maintain professional appearance and behaviour, including appropriate clothing and composed body language. This reinforces your credibility and contributes positively to the formal nature of the process.
If you miss or don't understand a question, ask politely for clarification rather than guessing at an answer. Clear communication serves everyone's interests better than assumptions or misunderstandings.
Giving and Receiving Evidence
Evidence presentation follows these steps:
- Swear oath or make affirmation to tell the truth
- Tribunal reads your witness statement
- Face cross-examination from the opposing party
- Answer questions directly and factually
- State 'I don't know' rather than speculating
Cross-examination can feel challenging and might seem designed to provoke strong reactions. Stay calm and focus on factual responses rather than emotional reactions to difficult questions.
When questioning witnesses from the other side, prepare your questions in advance. Focus on addressing unclear points or inconsistencies in their evidence rather than asking random or hostile questions.
Understanding Hearing Types and Their Purpose
Hearing Type | Purpose | Evidence Focus | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary | Address procedural issues, set timelines | Document disclosure requirements | 1-2 hours |
Full Hearing | Present substantive evidence | Complete case evidence and arguments | Full day(s) |
Remedy | Determine compensation amounts | Financial losses and mitigation efforts | Half day |
The order of evidence presentation varies depending on your type of claim. In unfair dismissal cases, employers typically present their evidence first, while discrimination cases often start with the claimant's evidence.
Both sides make closing submissions after all the evidence has been heard. These final arguments help the tribunal understand how you believe the evidence supports your position.
Recordings, Transcripts, and Admissibility
Recording the hearing yourself is generally prohibited and can constitute a criminal offence. You can, however, take written notes throughout the session to help you remember important points.
Official recordings made by HMCTS are available through proper application processes. You can request transcripts using the appropriate forms, usually within six months of your hearing date.
The admissibility of covert recordings made outside tribunal settings follows complex legal principles. These recordings must meet strict standards under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and data protection legislation.
Understanding these limitations helps you manage your evidence appropriately and avoid potential legal complications that could damage your case.
Post-Hearing Processes and Next Steps
Your hearing's conclusion marks the beginning of several follow-up processes that could significantly impact your case outcome. Knowing what to expect helps you respond appropriately, whether you receive an immediate decision or need to wait for written judgment.
These post-hearing steps often determine the practical results of your tribunal claim, making it important to understand each stage and your options.
Receiving the Decision
At your hearing's end, the judge or panel might announce their decision immediately or explain that written judgment will follow by email or post. They'll also tell you when it's appropriate to leave the video call.
Pay close attention to these final instructions as they outline your next steps, especially if the outcome involves compensation awards or additional legal requirements. Stay focused until the session officially ends to catch all important details.
Some decisions require additional hearings to determine specific remedies or compensation amounts. The judge will explain if your case needs these follow-up sessions and when they might be scheduled.
Written judgments typically include detailed reasoning for the tribunal's decision, which becomes important if you later consider appealing the outcome.
Remedy Hearings and Compensation
Successful claimants usually attend separate remedy hearings to determine compensation amounts. These sessions require detailed evidence about your financial losses, including lost wages and additional expenses caused by the employer's actions.
The tribunal examines your efforts to reduce these losses, potentially adjusting compensation if you haven't taken reasonable steps to find alternative employment or income sources. Document your job search activities and other mitigation efforts carefully.
Prepare a detailed schedule of loss showing exactly how the employer's conduct affected you financially. Include supporting documents like payslips, job applications, and expense receipts to back up your claims.
Present evidence clearly and honestly about both your losses and your efforts to minimise them. This balanced approach often leads to fair compensation awards that accurately reflect your situation.
Appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal
If you believe legal errors affected your tribunal's decision, you might have grounds for appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Appeals must focus on legal mistakes rather than simple disagreement with the outcome.
Strict time limits apply, typically requiring appeal applications within 42 days of receiving written judgment reasons. These tight deadlines make immediate legal advice essential if you're considering this option.
Appeals involve complex legal procedures and high costs if unsuccessful. Consider whether the potential benefits justify the time, expense, and uncertainty involved in appellate proceedings.
Legal representation becomes especially valuable for appeals given their technical nature and the expertise required to identify viable grounds for challenging tribunal decisions.
Observing a Tribunal Hearing: A Valuable Learning Tool
Watching other people's tribunal hearings provides invaluable insight into procedures, etiquette, and presentation techniques. This experience demystifies the process and builds confidence for your own hearing participation.
Whether you observe remotely or in person, you'll gain practical understanding of how tribunals operate and what expectations you need to meet as a participant.
Accessing Remote Observation Opportunities
Many tribunals now allow public observation through video or telephone platforms. Websites like CourtServe.net publish schedules of upcoming Employment Tribunal hearings available for public viewing.
Register for a free observer account, then contact the tribunal requesting observation access. Clearly state your intention to observe without interfering in the proceedings.
Remote observation lets you see how hearings unfold without participation pressure. You'll learn about timing, formality levels, and interaction patterns between judges, representatives, and parties.
Links to observer sessions typically arrive on hearing mornings, placing you in a silent viewing role with muted audio and no speaking capability.
In-Person Observation Guidelines
For physical observation, arrive at the tribunal buildings well before the scheduled hearing times. Sign in at reception and request current hearing schedules to identify suitable sessions for observation.
Maintain respectful behaviour throughout your visit and follow any specific instructions from tribunal staff. Professional conduct reinforces the serious nature of these proceedings.
In-person observation offers advantages like seeing non-verbal communication and experiencing the full courtroom atmosphere that remote viewing sometimes misses. These details help you understand the complete dynamic of tribunal hearings.
Judges can limit public attendance, especially for cases involving sensitive issues or vulnerable witnesses. Respect these restrictions and be prepared to leave if asked.
Benefits for Litigants in Person
Observing tribunals provides:
- Direct experience with formal procedures
- Understanding of expected behaviour patterns
- Insight into evidence presentation techniques
- Reduced anxiety about your own hearing
- Examples of effective participation
According to the Free Representation Unit's training guidelines: "Observing live tribunal hearings provides invaluable practical experience that no amount of theoretical preparation can match. We strongly encourage all litigants in person to attend at least one hearing before their own."
Watch how different people handle questioning, evidence presentation, and technical difficulties. These observations provide practical examples of effective and ineffective hearing participation.
Addressing Complexities: Witnesses Abroad and Covert Recordings
Modern tribunal hearings involve additional challenges, particularly when dealing with international witnesses or recorded evidence. Understanding these complexities helps you anticipate problems and work within legal requirements.
These technical and legal issues require careful handling to avoid delays or sanctions that could damage your case.
Witnesses Located Abroad: Legal and Diplomatic Considerations
Tribunals expect witnesses to participate from within the UK, Crown Dependencies, or British Overseas Territories. If your witness lives elsewhere, you must prove there are no legal or diplomatic barriers to their participation.
Notify the Employment Tribunal immediately with detailed information about your witness's location. The tribunal consults Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidelines to determine whether "standing permission" exists for taking evidence from that country.
Countries without standing permission might require additional inquiries, especially if they've signed the Hague Convention. These processes can involve the Foreign Process Section of the Royal Courts of Justice and consultation fees.
Even with proper permissions, tribunals retain discretion about allowing overseas evidence. They consider factors like time zone differences, technical arrangements, and whether the evidence serves justice interests.
Non-compliance or improper approval processes can cause serious delays or result in sanctions against your case. Early preparation and thorough research prevent these complications.
Covert Recordings as Evidence: Admissibility and Risks
Using secretly recorded conversations as evidence involves significant legal and practical risks. While such recordings might provide crucial evidence of discriminatory behaviour, they must meet strict legal standards.
Recording tribunal hearings without permission constitutes a criminal offence. Even recordings made outside tribunal settings face scrutiny under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and data protection legislation.
Tribunals assess recording relevance, authenticity, and fairness before deciding on admissibility. Recordings of private deliberations by disciplinary panels are generally inadmissible unless compelling reasons exist.
If you plan to rely on covert recordings, disclose them early in proceedings and seek legal advice about their use. Improper handling might result in exclusion from evidence, potentially undermining your entire case.
Consider whether alternative evidence could achieve the same results without legal risks. Sometimes witness testimony or documentary evidence provides safer routes to proving your claims.
Empowering Your Journey with Litigated
Managing Employment Tribunal video hearings presents unique challenges, especially for people representing themselves. Litigated provides the expertise, resources, and community support you need to approach your hearing with confidence.
Our focus on practical guidance and legal insight helps you understand complex employment law issues while staying informed about tribunal developments that might affect your case.
Expert Analysis and Practical Insights
Expert analysis and practical insights from Litigated offer detailed analysis of employment tribunal cases, helping you understand legal precedents and how they might apply to your situation. Our expert commentary breaks down complex legal concepts into practical guidance you can actually use.
You'll find both public updates on significant cases and in-depth members-only content that explores the nuances of employment law developments. This dual approach keeps you informed about general trends while providing detailed insights for serious preparation.
Our case analysis helps you understand how tribunals approach different types of claims and what factors influence their decisions. This knowledge strengthens your case preparation and presentation strategy.
Regular updates on legal developments help you stay current with changing rules and procedures that could affect your hearing approach or evidence requirements.
Professional Community and Support
Professional community and support through Litigated connects you with other professionals facing similar employment law challenges. Our community includes HR managers, employment consultants, and business owners who share practical experiences and insights.
This network provides a valuable perspective on how different parties approach tribunal cases and what strategies tend to work effectively in various situations. Learning from others' experiences helps you avoid common mistakes and adopt proven approaches.
Professional discussions explore best practices for case preparation, evidence presentation, and procedural compliance. These insights prove especially valuable for people without formal legal training.
Members share real-world experiences that textbooks and official guidance rarely cover, giving you practical knowledge that makes a real difference in hearing preparation and presentation.
Staying Informed About Employment Law Developments
Employment law changes regularly through new legislation, tribunal decisions, and procedural updates. Litigated keeps you current with developments that could affect your case or future employment relationships.
Our analysis covers not just what changes have occurred, but how they apply in practical situations and what they mean for different types of claims. This context helps you understand the real impact of legal developments.
Regular updates help you spot trends in tribunal decision-making that might influence how you present evidence or structure arguments. Understanding these patterns gives you strategic advantages in case preparation.
Access to expert analysis saves you time researching complex legal questions and helps you focus on the specific aspects of law that matter most for your situation.
Conclusion
Your Employment Tribunal video hearing might seem daunting, but proper preparation and understanding of the process significantly improve your chances of success. Technical preparation, organised evidence, and professional conduct during virtual hearings create the foundation for effective case presentation.
Modern technology reduces travel costs and time commitments while providing secure access to justice. Whether you represent yourself or work with legal professionals, thorough preparation remains the key to successful advocacy.
Remember that video hearings maintain the same legal standards and formality as traditional courtroom proceedings. Your case receives rigorous attention regardless of the format, and proper preparation helps you take full advantage of the opportunities these proceedings provide.
With the right knowledge, community support, and understanding of legal developments provided by resources like Litigated, you can approach your hearing with confidence and present your case effectively.
FAQs
What is an Employment Tribunal video hearing?
An Employment Tribunal video hearing is a formal legal proceeding conducted remotely using secure online platforms like CVP or the Video Hearings service. All parties present evidence and arguments from remote locations, reducing the need for physical attendance at tribunal buildings. Judges determine video hearing suitability based on case complexity and participant needs. This format reduces costs and saves time while maintaining rigorous judicial standards and fair legal processes.
What technical equipment do I need for a video hearing?
You need a device with camera and microphone capabilities, whether a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, plus a stable high-speed internet connection. Keep your device fully charged or connected to reliable power throughout the hearing. Use an updated web browser like Google Chrome or install the recommended application for your specific platform. Test your audio-visual equipment and internet speed before the hearing date to identify and resolve potential technical problems that could disrupt your participation.
Can I record my Employment Tribunal video hearing?
No, recording Employment Tribunal hearings without express tribunal permission is generally a criminal offence. You may take written notes during sessions, but unofficial audio or video recording is prohibited. Official recordings made by HMCTS are controlled, and you can apply for transcripts through proper channels using designated forms. These restrictions protect the privacy and integrity of proceedings while keeping all evidence within relevant legal standards and requirements.
