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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Announcements

JAC publishes latest Diversity Update

31 January 2023

We have today published our latest Diversity Update. In the update, you can read about our ongoing work to attract and better prepare potential candidates from under-represented groups for judicial appointment; ensure selection processes are fair and non-discriminatory; and collaborate with others to break down barriers to appointment.

Read the full announcement here.

Lord Chief Justice vacancy

Lord Chancellor, Dominic Raab16 January 2023

The Lord Chancellor has asked the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to convene a selection panel to recommend a candidate to fill the position of Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

The exercise will launch on 30 January 2023, and anyone interested in making an application should contact the JAC’s Head of Senior Appointments and panel secretary, Lisa Grant, for further information on the eligibility and selection criteria and details of the documentation required to make an application. Candidates must submit a “Notice of Intent” to apply for the role by close of 6 February 2023.

Read the full announcement here

JAC publishes data to inform review of judicial salaries

black and silver laptop computer on table13 January 2023

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) has provided evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) as part of their annual review of judicial pay. The evidence covers recruitment for salaried and fee-paid roles in both courts and tribunals and includes both legal and non-legal posts.

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