How to use HMCTS Common Platform
Common Platform is a case management system for HMCTS, the judiciary, and professional court users, including defence.
Defence solicitors and barristers will need to register for an account before any hearings they attend where Common Platform is used.
With an account you can:
- link yourself to a case or defendant so the Legal Aid Agency is informed for payment purposes
- self-serve case materials, including the initial details of the prosecution case (IDPC) and the preparation for effective trial form (PET form) in the magistrates’ court
- serve documents on the court for Common Platform cases in the magistrates’ court
Once your firm has registered and you have activated your account, you can start managing your cases in Common Platform.
If you are an organisation administrator, see the HMCTS Common Platform for defence administrators guide.
Once your organisation has registered and you have activated your account, you can start accessing cases in Common Platform.
Get help
If you need help getting a unique reference number for a case, email [email protected] or call 0330 808 4407.
If you need further help or have questions that are not addressed in the guidance, you can contact us on our helpdesk or by email.
Helpdesk
Telephone – 020 3989 6060
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding bank holidays)
We aim to respond within 5 working days.