Professor Christopher Hodges publishes new report proposing holistic reform of the justice system
Professor Christopher Hodges OBE, Emeritus Professor of Justice Systems at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford, has published a new report commissioned by the Nuffield Foundation, Resolving disputes: a framework for holistic reform.
Published in October 2026 as part of the Nuffield Foundation's Public right to justice programme, the report sets out a vision for a more integrated and effective civil and administrative justice system in England and Wales.
The report argues that traditional approaches to justice, which focus primarily on resolving individual disputes through courts and legal processes, are often costly, fragmented and insufficient to address the underlying causes of problems. It calls for a shift towards a more holistic system that prioritises prevention, learning and lasting improvements in behaviour and practice.
Drawing on developments in dispute resolution and regulatory systems, Professor Hodges proposes reforms to improve coordination between courts, tribunals, ombudsmen, regulators and advice services.
Key recommendations include establishing a Justice Institute or Justice Council to oversee system-wide reform, creating a single accessible portal to help people navigate dispute resolution services, strengthening the role of ombudsmen, and improving the collection and use of data to identify recurring problems and prevent future harm.
The report also explores reforms across several areas, including consumer disputes, housing, employment, healthcare and public sector complaints, emphasising the importance of accessible, cost-effective and coordinated approaches.
Overall, the report presents a framework for a justice system that not only resolves disputes and provides redress but also promotes fairness, strengthens public trust and supports positive social and economic outcomes.