About Virtual Hearings
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, most Children’s Hearings are being held online via video conferencing. This is called a Virtual Hearing.
Virtual Hearings have been taking place since Hearings Centres had to close due to the pandemic. You may have attended a Hearing before using a different video platform, but we are now using Microsoft Teams, as well as Vscene.
This section of our website provides you with all the information you need to join and participate in your Virtual Hearing.
Meet RAVHI the Virtual Hearings Robot. RAVHI will guide you through your Virtual Hearings journey. Wherever you see RAVHI this means that help and support is available from our Virtual Hearings Team.
Attending your Virtual Hearing
Available Help and Support
Your rights in a Virtual Hearing
Guidance
Depending on whether you are joining via Microsoft Teams or Vscene, we have step by step guidance available.
Self-testing your set-up
Microsoft has a website page you can visit to undertake a test call so you can see if your microphone, camera and speaker are working correctly. You can access it here. Click the make a test call box and this will be auto answered asking you to record a message – this will then be played back to you to check your device speakers/microphone are working.
It’s important you get the help you need to support you in your Virtual Hearing. There is an information leaflet with organisations who can help you. The law says that all children and young people who need to go to a Children’s Hearing should be able to get support and representation from a children’s advocacy worker. You can find out more here.
Check your broadband speed
Top tips for Virtual Hearings
Questions and answers
Any questions?
If you have any questions before your Virtual Hearing, you can contact the Reporter direct. Their contact details will be on the information sent to you or you can email our Virtual Hearings Team.
They are also keen to get your feedback after the Hearing to hear about your experience of participating in a Virtual Hearing.