Hearing Preparation Checklist & Question Planner

How to use the Hearing Preparation Checklist & Question Planner

1. Start with the case overview
Fill in the basic details at the top:
– Case name (for example, “Colak v Example Ltd”)
– Tribunal case number (if you have it)
– What your claims are (unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, etc)
– The main issues in dispute (what the judge is really being asked to decide)
– A short summary of your side of the story in your own words

2. Add your hearing details and logistics
Enter the hearing date, time, length, format (in person, video or hybrid) and where it will take place. Use the “Key deadlines” box to note any tribunal orders (for example, bundle deadline, witness statements deadline, schedule of loss deadline). Use the “Travel / practical notes” box to jot down how you will get there and anything practical you must not forget.

3. Set up your witnesses and questions
Under “My witnesses”, add each of your witnesses one by one. For each witness, note:
– Who they are and how they are connected to the case
– The key points they support
– The questions you want to ask them
Under “Respondent’s witnesses”, do the same for the employer’s witnesses. This helps you plan what you want to ask them in cross-examination. If something does not apply, you can leave it blank or write N/A.

4. Work through the documents and evidence checklist
Go through the evidence checklist and mark each item as:
– Have
– Requested
– Not available
– N/A
Use the notes box to record anything important, such as “waiting for employer to send”, “in bundle page 154”, or “I only have bank statements”. You can add your own custom evidence items at the bottom.

5. Plan your key points for the hearing
Use the “Key points I must say” section to prepare:
– Your opening points (how you will briefly explain your case to the judge)
– The key dates you must remember (start date, dismissal, big incidents, ACAS, grievances, etc)
– The main arguments in your favour
– The closing points you want to make at the end of the hearing
Write in simple language so it is easy to read on the day.

6. Think about risks and weak points
Use the “Risks & weak points” section to note:
– What you are worried the respondent will say
– Any weak areas in your evidence
– Any concerns the judge might have
This is just for you – it helps you stay calm and prepared if these issues come up.

7. Clarify what outcome you want
In the “Remedies & settlement” section, write down:
– What remedies you are asking for (money and non-money)
– What your ideal outcome would look like
– The minimum outcome you might accept if you chose to settle
– Any settlement notes (offers made, discussions with ACAS, etc)
This keeps your goals clear in your mind throughout the hearing.

8. Use the on-the-day practical checklist
Tick items on the practical checklist as you prepare for the hearing. Mark items as N/A where they do not apply to you. Use the notes alongside each item to record anything you have done or still need to do.

9. Generate your hearing plan
When you are ready, click “Generate hearing plan”. The tool will build a structured summary from everything you have written. You can:
– Print directly from this page using “Print from this page”, or
– Open a separate print page (if you have set that up) using “Open print page”

10. Save, return and update as needed
Your answers are saved automatically in your browser using local storage. You can come back to this page later on the same device and continue editing your plan. You can clear everything at any time using “Clear all & reset” if you want to start again.

Important
This planner is for your own preparation only. It does not send anything to the tribunal or to the respondent and it is not legal advice. Always consider getting independent legal advice about your case and your hearing.