Bridging the gap: moving toward a single, unified justice system
Morna Spence
UK Justice Lead, Accenture
“Efficiencies alone are not a silver bullet, but making the system more efficient and saving time across the board is a vital part ...” – David Lammy
David Lammy’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts is clear: efficiencies alone will not fix a fractured system. Leveson’s Part II review (February 2026) lays down the overarching principle for achieving this: the current, long‑standing “system of systems” must become one unified system driving to a shared vision, with collective responsibility and digitally enabled delivery.
This is about more than just reducing court backlogs and finding efficiencies, central to this must be rebuilding public trust in our justice system.
From efficiency to outcomes
Leveson’s review, with its 130 recommendations, makes the same point as Lammy, but in a subtly different way: efficiency in this context isn't just about speed; it's about the "proportionate and effective use of resources" to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied. That’s our new goal across the system.
Today, our system is fragmented, with departments delivering their own strategies against allocated siloed budgets. This doesn’t foster collaboration or shared success and is further amplified by the siloed systems that support the CJS. Digital friction between the police, CPS, HMCTS and HMPPS continues to slow progress and exacerbate delays. These challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
Four themes for a unified system
Drawing on Leveson’s blueprint and our work across the justice system, we have identified four themes that, together, could help bridge these gaps.
1 - Incentivising shared outcomes. True partnership requires organisations to align around common goals and shared accountability. The appointment of the Prime Minister’s Criminal Justice Advisor and Second Permanent Secretary in the MoJ has been widely welcomed, providing clarity of leadership and intent. If executed well, this mandate can enable agencies to plan collectively, prioritise consistently, and focus on systemwide outcomes rather than individual organisational success.
2 -Responsible enablement through data and AI. A data‑powered “digital twin” of the justice system could bring together cross‑system data, provide real‑time performance insights, and simulate the impact of policy interventions before they are implemented. Combined with interoperable datasets, AI and a strong “human‑in‑the‑lead” approach, this would allow decision‑makers to anticipate pressure points, manage demand, and intervene where it delivers the greatest system benefit.
3 - Embracing digital solutions. While the committed investment in the physical justice estate is much needed, the digital experience of justice lags far behind public expectations. From remote hearings and digital jury bundles to basic notifications and case updates, modern digital services can save time, reduce cost, significantly improve citizen experience and trust. Our work with the CPS on digitising jury bundles alone identified millions of pounds in potential savings. Technology has a critical role to play to enable the delivery of justice.
4 - Centring trust, fairness and access to justice. Victim confidence remains at historic lows: only 51% believe the system is fair, 46% believe it is effective, and just 42% believe justice will be delivered if they report a crime (Annual Victims’ Survey - 2024). Structural reform and efficiency measures are necessary, but trust will only be rebuilt when citizens see and experience tangible change — through clearer communication, better digital access, and more consistent outcomes.
A call to action
Whether in the public, private or third sector, we all have a role to play in building a Single Justice System. As Leveson reminds us, money and efficiency alone are not enough. What’s required is sustained investment, structural reform, and a cultural shift toward collective ownership. It’s time to bridge the gaps in our criminal justice system.
