Tuesday 8 November 2022
During the COVID-19 restrictions, the JAC ran all selection activity remotely to meet the needs of the courts and tribunals. This included launching selection exercises, receiving applications, shortlisting and video interviews. This ensured selection processes remained robust and fair. The safety and well-being of candidates, panel members and staff are the priority for us, alongside the business need.
Despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic we saw some positives, such as increased flexibility for candidates due to not needing to travel and information reaching wider audiences via remote outreach events.
As a result, and since restrictions eased, we have returned to some face-to-face selection activity. Our approaches now include:
- Across all exercises, all assessment up to selection day is conducted remotely
- For salaried roles, we run selection days face to face
- For fee-paid non-legal roles selection days are conducted remotely
- For most fee-paid legal roles selection days are conducted remotely
- The information page for each exercise, when launched, sets out how selection activity will be run for that exercise and candidates will be kept up to date about the process throughout the course of their exercise.
The Commission agreed to take this approach for 12 months, starting from the end of COVID-19 restrictions. During this time, we are continuing to review, seek feedback and consider longer term approaches. Any changes will be carefully considered and clearly communicated to candidates, in good time wherever possible, in line with government guidance.
So far as it is possible, we will continue to help candidates affected by COVID-19 with alternative arrangements. Please contact the relevant selection exercise team in the first instance, or enquiries@judicialappointments.gov.uk, as soon as possible if you require reasonable adjustments or are unable to complete any part of our process – for reasons relating to COVID-19, or other.