Virtual Hearings Solution

The pandemic has necessitated a move to virtual tribunal hearings at the GMC (using Skype for Business) and we anticipate that this new approach may become BAU after the pandemic for some hearings. The current Skype process has issues around the identification and management of participants attending the hearing and is limited in terms of how it can be used for more complex hearings. A dedicated virtual hearing solution is sought to remedy the main issues identified with the current process and provide an improved experience from the perspective of Tribunal users and attendees.

Solution requirements (not exhaustive):

1. Offers a secure virtual hearing room and secure linked meeting rooms

2. Enables a Clerk to actively manage the hearing, i.e.:

a. Move participants between rooms

b. Remove participants from the hearing

c. Mute participants

d. Communicate with participants via instant messaging

e. If possible offers role-based automation options for participants joining/leaving the hearing

3. Provides clear identification of participants, ensuring GDPR compliance

4. Offers the opportunity to join hearings via browser or PSTN with the ability to ensure participant anonymity where required (i.e. vulnerable witnesses)

5. Allows the observation of hearings without participant functionality

6. Allows recording of the hearing (audio only)

7. Offers the potential to run hybrid hearings (i.e. both virtual and office-based attendees), with compatibility options for the recording of office-based hearings

Proposed Supplier Date (virtual) – 24th February am

To book a 30 minute slot, please email Chris Park (Procurement Manager) via procurement@gmc-uk.org. We will operate on a first come first served basis.