QUEENS COURT CHAMBERS

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

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Queens Court Chambers has completed a Covid-19 risk assessment for our Chambers and Chancery Lane office, resulting in the following steps being identified and implemented as part of our response:

 

• All staff members (including freelance staff) will only be asked to work from Chambers where it is not reasonably practicable for them to work remotely;

• All internal meetings are encouraged to take place virtually.

• All external meetings are encouraged to take place virtually.

• Where visits to Chambers are required, guidance on social distancing and hygiene will be explained to visitors on arrival and must be adhered to. We will also limit the number of visitors on our premises at any one time.

• Most business-related travel has been suspended.

• Guidance has been provided to staff, and notices have been erected around our office to remind everyone about proper social distancing etiquette.

• Suitable hand washing facilities are available at our office with gel sanitisers in areas where washing facilities are not readily available.

• Frequent cleaning of our office using appropriate cleaning products and methods is in place, including the disinfection of objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.

• We will keep this risk assessment and all of the above steps under review to ensure they remain suitable and sufficient to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all staff members (including freelance staff) and visitors to our offices. 

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Our Health and Safety Risk Assessment Form

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At Queens Court Chambers, all staff members (including freelance staff), visitors, existing clients, and potential clients must read, agree, sign and return our Health and Safety Risk Assessment Form upon request, 48 hours prior to any of the following taking place:-

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1. Any staff members (including freelance staff), returning to the office for the first time since the COVID-19 Government restrictions were implemented;

2. Where necessary, each time any visitor attends our office;

3. Where necessary, upon any physical contact between potential or existing clients with any of our staff members (including freelance staff), including Court hearings;

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• Please find attached a link to the Health and Safety Risk Assessment form for Clients.

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• Please find attached a link to the Health and Safety Risk Assessment form for Staff members (including freelance staff), returning to work in Chambers guidance and working safety in the office guidance.

 

The Government guidance on meeting people outside your household

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Before attending any meetings at our office and/or with any staff members, please familiarise yourself with the Government guidance on meeting people outside your household. Please see and read the full document here.

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The Bar Council and the COVID-19 Working Group 

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The Bar Council and the COVID-19 Working Group have also issued helpful guidance aimed towards the legal profession and members of the public. Please see and read the full document here.

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Remote Hearings and Court Attendance in 2025

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Queens Court Chambers recognises that remote hearings have become a routine and integral part of the justice system. Under the Courts (Remote Hearings) Act 2025, a bill and subsequent guidance allow defendants and other parties to appear before the court remotely via live audio or video links in specific cases, subject to judicial discretion. Remote hearings are fully capable of delivering fair and effective justice, and in-person hearings remain available where necessary.

 

Judges have the ultimate authority to decide whether a hearing should be held remotely or in person, after considering the representations of all parties and the circumstances of the case. This balanced approach enables swifter access to justice while maintaining procedural fairness.

 

Members of the public, including the media, may observe hearings remotely where permitted, but must identify themselves and comply with court directions during transmission to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.

 

Queens Court Chambers embraces this modernisation of court processes, using remote hearings as appropriate to achieve efficient, accessible, and fair dispute resolution for clients.