ID 3921996 - DoJ - Provision of Consultancy Support relating to Section 29, Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

Tender description

The Department of Justice (DOJ) was established on 12 April 2010 following the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Enabling Access to Justice Division (EAJD) is responsible for setting the strategic direction for legal aid and maintaining the legislative framework. The Civil Legal Aid Reform Branch is responsible for all aspects of civil legal aid with the current focus of its work being improving protections for people who have experienced domestic abuse in family proceedings; piloting new approaches for the remuneration of expert witnesses in public family law cases; and reviewing the legal aid statute and governance to identify opportunities for reform that will better support access to justice. The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 received Royal Assent on 1 March 2021 and is intended to improve the operation of the justice system by creating an offence recognising the experience of victims of domestic abuse, the repetitive nature of abusive behaviour and its potential cumulative effect. EAJD wish to engage a contractor to review current provisions and make recommendations in the form of a report, following engagement with key stakeholder groups in relation to the implementation of Section 29.