Marking 5 years of the JAC Targeted Outreach programme
Just over 5 years ago, the Judicial Appointments Commission’s (JAC) Targeted Outreach programme began with a clear purpose: to support talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in preparing for judicial roles.
Today, the programme contributes towards our aim of attracting well-evidenced applications from the widest range of high-calibre candidates, supporting the achievement of greater judicial diversity. Over 700 candidates have received tailored guidance – many who have gone on to be appointed – contributing to a judiciary that better reflects the society it serves.
Why the JAC launched the Targeted Outreach programme
The programme launched in November 2020 in response to evidence from the Judicial Diversity Forum’s first annual statistical report, which highlighted the need for greater diversity in judicial appointments. Initially a 2-year pilot, it is now a permanent feature of our candidate support.
How the programme works
The programme operates separately from the judicial recruitment process. We help candidates prepare for JAC selection exercises by offering expert advice, practical resources and signposting to complementary schemes. The programme is open to those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the judiciary, including women, those from an ethnic minority background, those with disabilities, and solicitors.
At the heart of the programme are 6 former JAC Commissioners who provide guidance on the process and on building confidence, skills and readiness for judicial roles. They are supported by over 140 Judicial Guides, who are members of the courts and tribunals judiciary who have been trained to provide support. Judicial Guides assist with application forms, interview preparation, role plays and interpreting feedback. More than 360 candidates have benefitted from this support.
To support holistic development, we also signpost to other support pathways for candidates such as Judicial Work Shadowing, Pre-Application Judicial Education (PAJE) and Judicial Outreach Mentoring.
What we’ve achieved
We track impact carefully. Among participants who have been on the programme for at least 12 months and made at least 1 application, 58% have reached selection day and 33% have been recommended for appointment.
For some underrepresented groups, outcomes are particularly strong: female ethnic minority solicitors on the programme have reached selection day and been recommended at over 2 and a half times the rate of comparable candidates not on the programme over the past 3 years. This is a credit to those who support the programme, including (but not limited to) our former Commissioners and judicial guides.
Looking ahead
As we mark 5 years, we’re focused on evolving the programme. This year, we’ll launch new stage-by-stage resources to help Targeted Outreach programme candidates prepare more confidently for each part of the selection process. We’re also introducing jurisdictional insight materials to raise the visibility of diverse judicial voices and demystify the path to appointment. And for those who don’t succeed first time, we’re developing tailored guidance to help candidates reflect, regroup and reapply with renewed focus.
2026 also marks another important milestone for the Targeted Outreach programme – the fifth anniversary of the Judicial Guide Scheme, where participants in the Targeted Outreach programme are matched with a member of the courts and tribunals judiciary. Applicants are then able to receive support from their guide as they go through JAC selection exercises.
We are hugely grateful to every Judicial Guide for their time and commitment. We would also like to thank the Lady Chief Justice, Senior President of Tribunals and Senior Presiding Judge for their continued support of this initiative.
Interested in taking part? Find out more about the programme, joining criteria and how to apply.