Judicial Skills and Abilities Framework (JSAF) – non-legal roles

Personal/Professional skills (Back to top)

• Possess ability and analytical skills to the standard required for the role.
• Demonstrates specialist skills and knowledge to the standard required for the role.
• Is able and willing to invest time in developing and maintaining skills and knowledge as appropriate for the role.
• Shows flexibility of approach: can apply skills and knowledge in unfamiliar or developing areas, as appropriate for the role.
• Has an understanding what is required for a fair hearing.

Dealing with information (Back to top)

• Assimilates and organises pertinent information quickly.
• Identifies with clarity relevant issues for decision.
• Reaches clearly reasoned, logical and concise decisions that weigh up relevant considerations.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and an appropriate level of decisiveness.

Communication skills (Back to top)

• Shows effective active listening skills, seeking to understand a party’s case without prejudgement and with courtesy, sensitivity and appropriate patience.
• Demonstrates clear oral and written communication skills, in language appropriate for the forum and the particular circumstances.
• Adopts an appropriately authoritative approach that: (1) inspires respect and confidence; (2) ensures both fairness, allowing proper participation by the parties, and an appropriate and efficient use of judicial resources.

Personal qualities (Back to top)

• Adheres to the Bangalore Principles of independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety and equality of treatment, appreciating the importance of high standards of conduct and of maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
• Possesses sufficient resilience for the role and an ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Has a practical, common-sense approach to problem solving.
• Shows open-mindedness and self-awareness.

Effective working (Back to top)

• Is diligent and efficient, prioritising tasks appropriately and reaching timely decisions.
• Team work: has a collegiate approach; builds effective working relationships with colleagues taking full account of the Statement of Expected Behaviour.
• Takes an inclusive approach to those with differences from themselves.
• Is able and willing to challenge inappropriate behaviour by others.
• Uses or can develop digital skills to the requisite standard.

Leadership, for some roles. (Back to top)

• Builds and maintains an effective and efficient judicial team.
• Leads by example, motivating others to perform at their best.
• Ensures an inclusive culture for all, irrespective of background.
• Encourages and supports the professional development of team members.
• Has proper regard to the wellbeing of others.
• Where appropriate, identifies and shapes strategic objectives and standards.
• Implements, and where appropriate instigates, changes to improve efficiency and performance.
• Works collaboratively with others, including staff.