Judicial Appointments Commission

The Judicial Appointments Commission selects candidates for judicial office in England and Wales, and for some tribunals with UK-wide powers.

It is our statutory duty to select people on merit, who are of good character. We believe the judiciary should reflect the society it serves and we aim to attract diverse applicants from a wide field. We work closely with a range of organisations to promote vacancies to all those who are eligible.

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Targeted Outreach programme

Supporting candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, solicitor candidates, female candidates and those with a declared disability.

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Announcements

JAC Commissioner Recruitment

3 April 2023

The Ministry of Justice is advertising on behalf of The Judicial Appointments Commission for the recruitment of five Commissioners

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is currently seeking five Commissioners for the following roles: Lay Commissioner x3; Judicial (Tribunal Judge) Commissioner x1; and Non-Legally Qualified Judicial Commissioner x1. These roles provide the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of judicial appointments of the highest calibre and to ensure standards are maintained at a time of unprecedented demand for new judicial appointments.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities the JAC are seeking you can apply for the role via this link here. Applicants are welcome from the widest possible field.

Information about the work of the Commission can be found on the JAC website.

If you have questions about the appointment process, you can contact the MoJ Public Appointments Team via this page here.

The deadline for applications is 11am on Tuesday 11 April 2023.

Appointment of High Court Judge: Eason Rajah KC

16 March 2023

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 18 April 2023.

The candidate approved as a High Court Judge is Eason Rajah KC.

This appointment will fill a vacancy in the High Court following elevations to the Court of Appeal and confirmed retirements.

You can read his bio here.

Read the full announcement here.

Appointment of High Court Judge: Julia Dias KC

3 March 2023

The King is pleased to approve the appointment of a Justice of the High Court. This appointment will take effect from 20 March 2023.

The candidate approved as a High Court Judge is Julia Dias KC.

This appointment will fill a vacancy in the High Court following elevations to the Court of Appeal and confirmed retirements.

You can read her bio here.

Read the full announcement here.

The Board of Commissioners

Helen Pitcher OBE

Helen Pitcher was appointed Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission on 1 January 2023.

Helen Pitcher OBE is currently chair of the: Criminal Case Review Commission: the Public Chairs Forum and; Advanced Boardroom Excellence Ltd. Ms Pitcher holds two Non-Executive roles: C and C Group and; UB UK (part of Yildz Holdings). Prior to this Ms Pitcher was: Chairman of Pladis Global between 2015-19; the Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel between 2009-17 and; Director at Saville Group PLC between 2008-13.

The Commission

Members come from a wide background to ensure the Commission has a breadth of knowledge, expertise and independence.

The Chairman of the Commission is a lay member. 

Of the 14 other Commissioners:

  • 6 must be judicial members (including 2 tribunal judges)
  • 2 must be professional members (each of which must hold a qualification listed below but must not hold the same qualification as each other)
  • 5 must be lay members
  • 1 must be a non-legally qualified judicial member

The legal qualifications are:

  • Barrister in England and Wales
  • Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Appointment of Commissioners

Commissioners

Vice Chair: Vacancy – (Vice Chairman role was held by Lady Justice Sue Carr DBE from 02.08.20 until 27.01.23. The Honourable Mr Justice Adam Johnson will assume the duties of Vice Chairman in the interim)

 

The Honourable Mr Justice Adam Johnson
Andrew Kennon
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
Emir Khan Feisal
Greg Sinfield
Her Honour Judge Anuja Dhir
Jane Furniss CBE
Judge Christa Christensen
Mathu Asokan
Sarah Lee
Sir Simon Wessely
Sue Hoyle
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Barry Morgan

The Board has a Terms of Reference and a Register of Interests.

Board minutes can be viewed here