The Targeted Outreach programme was set up in 2020 and is separate from the JAC selection process.
Targeted Outreach programme
This programme is designed to help candidates from under-represented groups prepare for the judicial selection process run by the JAC. It targets improved outcomes for:
- women
- ethnic minority candidates
- disabled people
- solicitor candidates
One of the ways it offers support is by matching eligible applicants with an accredited Judicial Guide where appropriate to their needs. Find out more about the Judicial Guide Scheme.
Following a successful pilot phase, the Targeted Outreach programme expanded in 2023 to include support for all legal roles. You can read updates of the team’s activities in our annual reports.
Are you looking for support?
Our Targeted Outreach programme is designed to help candidates for legal roles who are under-represented in the judiciary.
Maintaining impartiality
We have introduced a strict ‘information barrier’ between the Target Outreach programme activities and the JAC selection process. This is to maintain impartiality and integrity of the recruitment process.
Its main elements are that:
- candidates on the programme must not disclose their participation to the JAC and the TOR team can stop offering support if this happens
- all members of the team (including former JAC Commissioners and the JGS Directors of training) will declare any relationships or connections which may cause a possible conflict of interest.
- candidate details are kept confidential and are only shared if someone is connected with a Judicial Guide through the scheme
- all reporting data is anonymised and access to data is restricted
Governance
The Targeted Outreach programme is supported by several former JAC commissioners with a wide range of legal and other specialist experience.
As well as strategic planning, policy and operational delivery, they also carry out consultation sessions and a range of outreach activities.
Judge Greg Sinfield
Mathu Asokan
More about Greg
Judge Greg Sinfield was the JAC’s Senior Judicial Commissioner from June 2020 to April 2025. He was the President of the Tax Chamber from October 2017 to April 2025, having been a salaried Judge of the Upper Tribunal since February 2012. Greg was called to the Bar in 1981. Between 1983 and 1987 he worked in the Solicitor’s Office of HM Customs and Excise. Greg was admitted as a solicitor in 1989, becoming a partner in the tax group of Hogan Lovells International in 1993. Greg continues to sit occasionally as an Acting Deemster in the High Court of the Isle of Man.
More about Mathu
Mathu was appointed to the JAC as a judicial member on 1 September 2017 and reappointed on 1 September 2020. Mathu completed her term as Commissioner at the end of August 2023. Mathu began her career as a solicitor and was appointed a Deputy District Judge in 1999. In 2022, Mathu retired as a District Judge after twenty years in the post, Sitting in Retirement as a Deputy District Judge until 2025. She was a committee member of the UK Association of Women Judges until November 2018.
Jane Furniss
Andrew Kennon
More about Jane
Jane was appointed to the JAC as a lay member in September 2017 and was reappointed in September 2020, ending her tenure in June 2024. Jane is a very experienced trustee and board member. Currently NED on the Board of the Supreme Court, Jane has held positions with the National Crime, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the homelessness charity Crisis, and was CEO of the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Earlier in her career, Jane held senior roles at the HM Inspectorate of Probation, the Probation Service, and the Home Office.
More about Andrew
Andrew was appointed to the JAC as a lay member in September 2017 and served until December 2023. Andrew was a House of Commons Clerk (parliamentary official) for 40 years, wearing wig and gown while giving procedural advice in the Chamber and leading the select committee system. Since 2024 he has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.
Sarah Lee
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
More about Sarah
Sarah was appointed to the JAC as a professional (solicitor) member in April 2018, remaining in post until June 2024. Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 1990, becoming a partner of Slaughter and May in 1999. She was Head of the Dispute Resolution Group and sat on the firm’s Partnership Board until May 2020. Sarah retired as a partner in December 2020 but remains a Senior Consultant. Amongst other positions, Sarah is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Financial Ombudsman Service.
More about Brie
Brie was appointed to the JAC as a professional (barrister) member in April 2018 and continued in post until June 2024. Brie has practiced as a self-employed barrister since 1986 and took silk in 2013. Brie is a property specialist whose practice extends to probate and professional negligence. She practices from Gatehouse Chambers where she was previously Head of Chambers. Brie is also involved with FreeBar the bar community LGBTQIA group and the Inns of Court Women’s Alliance.