If you're representing yourself in an Employment Tribunal claim, understanding the Case Management Hearing (CMH) is crucial.This preliminary hearing sets the stage for how your case will proceed.

The CMH is designed to organize the case efficiently.It's an opportunity for the tribunal to:

 Clarify the issues in dispute.
 Set deadlines for exchanging documents and witness statements.
 Decide on the length and date of the final hearing.

This hearing ensures both parties are prepared and that the case progresses smoothly.

Before the hearing, you'll receive a Case Management Agenda from the tribunal.This document outlines questions about your case, such as the issues involved and the evidence you plan to present.Completing this agenda helps the tribunal understand your position and plan the next steps effectively.

At the CMH, which may be conducted via phone, video call, or in person, the judge will:

 Discuss the completed Case Management Agenda
Identify the key legal and factual issues.Real Employment Law Advice
 Set deadlines for tasks like document disclosure and witness statement exchanges.
 Determine the estimated length of the final hearing and schedule it.

The judge may also identify any preliminary issues, such as jurisdictional questions or applications to amend claims and may deal with some of these, although there are linits on what can be done at a CMH​