Gillen Implementation Programme – Next Steps
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The Gillen implementation programme is set to run to 2027 and as well as developing and expanding existing projects, we also hope to:
- Continue to develop plans and arrangements for a pre-recorded cross examination pilot. This project has complex interdependencies with other workstreams, and its launch will be subject to resolving several outstanding issues, including legal aid changes, and to securing funding.
- A Working Group, led by the Gillen Team is developing a social media campaign to raise awareness and challenge rapemyths. We expect to launch the campaign before the end of the business year.
- Another working group is working on the development of guidance for the media so they might adopt a more sensitive and effective way of reporting sexual offences.
- Introduce new legislation to:
- enhance the protection of complainants’ personal information in the third-party material disclosure process. This includes information such as counselling notes and some social service or medical records. The measures are being progressed under the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill to be introduced in Spring 2026.
- enable SOLAs to provide in-court representation in pre-trial hearings of applications by defence to introduce evidence of the complainant’s previous sexual history at trial and for disclosure of the complainant’s personal information held by third parties. These provisions are also planned to be introduced to the Assembly under the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill in Spring 2026.