Naomi Long

Independent IT and business consulting firm CGI will deliver the long-term support contract and a five-year programme of work to improve the experiences of service users and create better ways of working enabled by digital solutions.

The Themis programme aims to transform services and administrative processes across tribunals, civil, family, and criminal courts, establishing a digital first, paper-light environment that will speed up case progression and improve access to justice services.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “The far-reaching changes of this programme, by enhancing services and replacing fragmented and outdated IT systems with a modern digital system, will benefit not only staff and the judiciary but also the public, legal profession, other government departments and justice partners.

“It should be viewed not as a digital project alone, but an opportunity for transformation of NICTS, driving significant efficiencies, improving service outcomes, and setting a new standard in digital justice solutions. I know it will be welcomed by staff across the NICTS.”

Karen Ward, NICTS chief modernisation officer, added: “We are embarking on an exciting and innovative period in NICTS, through our Vision 2030 modernisation programme, that will focus on how to deliver change that meets the needs of those who use our services as well as the teams who deliver them.

“A new digital solution will incrementally replace our outdated and siloed IT systems. In addition, Themis will provide a web portal that will enable legal professionals, members of the public, NICS Departments and other justice partners to access our services directly online.”