Michael SalterBarrister · Employment Law20+ years in the Employment Tribunal
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Case Management Hearings (CMH)

Last reviewed: 14th July 2026 · 11 posts in this topic

An open case file with a timetable and index tabs on a desk

A Case Management Hearing, or CMH, is a short preliminary hearing where an Employment Judge sets the timetable and directions for a claim — the list of issues, disclosure, witness statements and the final hearing dates. It is about how the case will run, not about who wins. This topic explains what a CMH is, why the tribunal holds one, and what generally happens before, during and after it.

Prepare using the AGENDA method

A CMH is run from a single document — the tribunal's own standard agenda form. AGENDA mirrors that form step by step, so working through it and filling in the form become the same exercise. It applies whichever side of the case you're on.

A
Anchor the issuesBuild the draft List of Issues — what the case is actually about.
G
Get the directions you needDecide the orders you want — disclosure, witness statements, experts — and prepare them, rather than reacting to the other side's proposals.
E
Establish the disclosure planStandard disclosure parameters, any specific items, dates and format. This is usually set once, at the CMH.
N
Nail the timetableRealistic dates for every direction, working backwards from the final hearing window.
D
Document the draft orderSubmit a draft case management order in advance. The party who arrives with a draft order usually gets close to it.
A
Action plan, post-CMHA short post-hearing checklist — dates entered, orders complied with, next deadlines flagged.

Guides in this topic

Short, plain-English answers to the questions people ask most about CMHs.

QDon't have your case kicked out before it has started!QWhy Your Case Management Note Matters More Than Your First EmailQCase Management AgendasWhat the tribunal's own form is asking for.QWhy Would the Tribunal Hold a Case Management Hearing?Why a case management hearing gets listed.QWhat Is a Case Management Hearing in the Employment Tribunal?The purpose of a CMH, in plain English.QWhat Happens If I Miss a Case Management Hearing?The consequences, and how to put it right.QWhat Happens If I Disagree with the Respondent During a Case Management Hearing?Handling disagreement with the other side.QWhat Happens After a Case Management Hearing?The order, the deadlines and what is next.QWhat Directions Can the Judge Give at a Case Management Hearing?The orders a CMH typically makes.QDo I Have to Attend a Case Management Hearing?Attendance, and what happens if you can't.QCan I Request Changes to Case Management Orders?Asking the tribunal to vary an order.

How I can help with your CMH

Two ways to go further — learn it yourself, or have it done for you. Both work through the same AGENDA method.

Services · Done for you

CMH Preparation Service

I prepare your CMH with you on a Direct Access basis — papers review, Position Statement, agenda completion and a draft order.

From £400

Enquire
Academy · DIY

The CMH Workbook

A section-by-section walkthrough of the AGENDA method. You finish with a completed agenda, a draft Position Statement and a draft case management order.

£47

Get the workbook
Want both? The CMH Complete Pack bundles the Workbook, the full AGENDA Method Course and a pre-CMH sanity check for £247 — less than buying separately. And if you start with the Workbook and later upgrade to the Course, the £47 you've already paid is deducted from the price.
Working out your list of issues? That's the first AGENDA step — Anchor the issues. If your claim includes unfair dismissal, the Unfair Dismissal book (from £14.97) explains, in general terms, what those issues usually are.

Free podcast

Employment Law Matters podcast cover artHere is a free podcast I recorded with Daniel Barnett on how to prepare for and run a case management hearing.Listen to it here →

Further reading

Curated links to official sources. These open on external sites; they are not a substitute for advice.

Ordered to produce a Schedule of Loss? A CMH often directs one, usually at the Nail the timetable step. Schedules of Loss are covered under Remedies — see Remedies › Schedules of Loss.
Important — information, not advice. This website explains how the Employment Tribunal process works in general terms. It is legal information, not legal advice, and using it does not create a barrister–client relationship. For advice on your own circumstances you should consult a qualified lawyer.