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Nuffield review by Christopher Hodges proposes single justice system and one legal regulator
A review published October 15, 2026 by Oxford emeritus professor Christopher Hodges for the Nuffield Foundation proposes merging courts, tribunals, ombudsmen, regulators and advice services in England and Wales into a single justice system. Resolving disputes: a framework for holistic reform also recommends replacing the eight frontline legal services regulators with a single independent regulator.
Paper (Nuffield Foundation) → · Law Gazette
Key points
- Hodges recommends a national Justice Institute to oversee the design, management and reform of the system.Nuffield FoundationLaw Gazette
- The review proposes simpler joined-up pathways, such as combining ACAS and employment tribunals.Nuffield Foundation
- Access to civil justice should run through a single, uncomplicated portal readily identifiable to users, the paper says.Law Gazette
- Hodges said courts, tribunals, ombudsmen, regulators and advice services developed separately, leaving people to navigate a confusing landscape.Nuffield Foundation
- The review also raises concerns about unmet legal need, court delays and advice deserts.Nuffield Foundation
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
Law Gazette
Nuffield Foundation