The ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic mean we have suspended all face-to-face selection activity. We are continuing with all selection activity remotely, in order to meet the needs of the courts and tribunals. This includes launching selection exercises, receiving applications, shortlisting and video interviews.
Alternative, remote, arrangements to replace face-to-face selection days are being used and candidates will be contacted directly by us to explain the process for their particular exercise. To align with the government’s approach, and to give both candidates and our teams certainty about the process and to ensure we are able to effectively plan and deliver exercises to the agreed timescales, we intend to run all selection activity remotely until at least the end of September 2021. The safety and wellbeing of candidates, panel members and staff remains a priority for us, alongside the business need.
We have been successfully running selection days remotely since mid-March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 situation, and have been able to ensure selection processes remain robust and fair. Despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic we have seen some positives, such as increased flexibility for candidates due to not needing to travel and information reaching wider audiences via remote outreach events. We are evaluating remote assessment, and reflecting on lessons learned, in order to inform our longer-term approaches. Any changes to our current arrangements, including the potential return to some face-to-face selection activity, will be carefully considered and clearly communicated to candidates in good time.
Our Business Strategy 2020-23, containing our 2020-21 Business Plan, outlines how we will continue to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We recognise that the current circumstances mean that some candidates may encounter difficulties in completing parts of the remote selection process, and in some cases, might continue to do so even as restrictions ease. So far as it is possible, we will help candidates with alternative arrangements. Please contact the relevant selection exercise team in the first instance, or enquires@judicialappointments.gov.uk, as soon as possible if you require reasonable adjustments or are unable to complete any part of our remote process – for reasons relating to COVID-19, or other.
This information will be updated on a regular basis.
