Schedules Schedule 3: Practice directions for online proceedings
In relation to Part 2, Chapter 2 of the Act, Part 1 of this Schedule allows the Lord Chief Justice or his nominee, with the approval of the Lord Chancellor, to issue practice directions in civil and family proceedings governed by Online Procedure Rules. The Lord Chancellor’s approval of a practice direction is not required where the practice direction consists of guidance about the application and interpretation of the law or the making of judicial decisions. Such directions require consultation with the Lord Chancellor as well as the approval of the Lord Chief Justice. Part 2 of Schedule 3 sets out similar procedures in respect of the First-tier and Upper Tribunals and Part 3 of Schedule 3 sets out similar procedures in respect of employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal – save that it is the Senior President of Tribunals (or in some cases a Chamber President, or the President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal or a territorial President who may make directions, and directions under Parts 2 and 3 which require only consultation with (rather than approval of) the Lord Chancellor will require the approval of the Senior President of Tribunals, rather than the Lord Chief Justice.