The Society of Editors has welcomed the decision to open up the family courts to journalists nationwide after the success of a reporting pilot in 2024. 

Approved by the Ministry of Justice and due to come into force on January 27, 2025, reporters will now be able to request a transparency order in all family courts in England and Wales to allow them to report and access key documents as well as speaking to families involved in such cases while maintaining the anonymity of those involved.

The change comes after the success of a 12-month pilot scheme that initially started in courts in Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle last year before being extended to Liverpool, Manchester, West Yorkshire, Stoke and Kingston-upon-Hull.

Responding to the news, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society of Editors said: “The Society has long supported greater openness and transparency in the Family Court so we are delighted that, following the success of last year’s pilot, journalists nationwide will now be able to apply to cover such cases as routine.

“Opening up this area of the justice system to greater scrutiny and reporting has the power to greatly enhance public confidence and understanding of how decisions are made in respect of some of the most vulnerable in society.”