When we hold a hearing or conference, we may make an audio recording and transcript. We publish transcripts from major cases and ceremonial sittings on our website. You may ask for access to a recording. You cannot record a hearing or conference without the permission of a Commission Member. See Recording a hearing or conference for more information.
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Audio recordings enable the Commission to deal with matters it hears and to make transcripts. They also give an accurate record of proceedings so people can consider their appeal rights.
An audio recording is not an official record of the proceedings. If you ask for a written transcript of a recording, you may have to pay a fee.
We edit the recordings to remove ‘out of session’ portions, such as adjournments and periods before and after the proceedings close.
Personal information is collected in audio recordings. This may include personal and sensitive information about witnesses or other non-parties. For information on how we handle personal information, see our Privacy policy.
The Commission may make a confidentiality order if it thinks it is necessary. It may order that:
We do not provide access to recordings of confidential conferences.
You can ask for access to a free online audio recording of the proceeding if you are:
You can only ask for access within 3 months of the date the Commission issues a final decision or order for the case.
This initiative is part of our Future Directions strategy.
The Commission has the right to decide whether to allow access. We usually give access, unless:
To request access to an audio recording fill out the request form.
Note: A member of the public may apply to access a recording under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Find out how to make an FOI request.
When we agree to give you access, you will receive an email from Epiq, the company that manages our audio portal.
Epiq will give you a unique user name and password. Your access will expire after 6 months.
To play the recording, you must agree to the audio recording terms of use. These are on the request form.
You can only play the recording through the Epiq website. You will not be able to find, stream or download any other audio recordings.
If we order transcript of a hearing, parties will usually receive a free copy. It is important to know that we do not always order transcripts of hearings.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the transcript of your hearing, you can contact our monitoring and transcription service provider Epiq at fwcorders@epiqglobal.com. Epiq will provide you with an estimate of costs prior to processing your order.
To check if a transcript of your hearing exists, please email the Chambers of the Member who heard the case.