The Targeted Outreach and Research (TOR) team leads initiatives which specifically respond to the need to improve judicial diversity. The small team is separate from the JAC selection process and engages directly with candidates from under-represented groups to support them through their judicial applications.
More information about the TOR team’s work and programme participant success stories can be found here. For an overview of frequently asked questions, please follow this link.
Targeted Outreach programme
The Targeted Outreach (TO) programme is designed to support candidates from under-represented groups in preparing for the judicial selection process. The programme specifically supports improved outcomes for JAC target groups: women, ethnic minority candidates, disabled candidates, solicitor candidates.
Individuals should note that admission to the programme does not guarantee judicial appointment.
What does the programme offer?
The Targeted Outreach programme offers short-term, ad-hoc support to candidates which is centred around the judicial application process. Following acceptance onto the programme, candidates may receive:
- Tailored advice on the JAC selection exercise process
- Guidance from a former JAC Commissioner and/or member of the judiciary through the Judicial Guide scheme
- Access to wider support and resources
Owing to limited resources, not all applicants will receive direct support from a JAC Commissioner and/or Judicial Guides. Similarly, once participation in a selection exercise is complete, former JAC Commissioners and Judicial Guides will be reassigned to new candidates. Should an individual seek support with a further judicial application, they must reapply to the programme.
How are applications assessed?
Applications to the Targeted Outreach programme are assessed on an individual basis to determine what level of support an applicant could potentially receive. Some applicants may benefit from judicial guidance more than others, and applicants are encouraged to take time putting together their application for the Targeted Outreach programme by carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria before applying.
The team will prioritise applications based on:
- an applicant’s eligibility to the programme;
- an individual’s readiness to apply; and
- the timing of a selection exercise.
Currently, the Targeted Outreach programme prioritises support for the JAC’s target groups as well as promoting opportunities for CILEX lawyers. Whilst the TOR team cannot guarantee programme support for every individual who applies, all programme applicants will receive advice on preparing for a judicial appointment alongside information on complementary support schemes run by other JDF partners.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for support from the TO programme, you must:
- be an individual from one or more of the JAC target groups;
- have already taken part in a partner programme or initiative within the last 3 years; and
- hold 5 years plus Post Qualification Experience (PQE), be currently applying, have applied, or plan to apply imminently to a legal judicial position. (Please note the Targeted Outreach programme does not offer support for non-legal roles).
If you are planning to apply for judicial appointment and have a particular vacancy in mind, the TOR team is ready to offer support in a confidential, friendly, and safe space. It the responsibility of the candidate to request Targeted Outreach support in good time ahead of their chosen selection exercise. We will not be able to accommodate requests for support at short notice.
The TOR team also particularly encourages applications from individuals who have previously applied for a judicial post, but have been unsuccessful.
How to apply
There are 3 streams which the TOR team use to source applicants:
- Application form – Self-referral applications: candidates can apply by completing an online application form (download the Word version here).
- Stakeholder nominations – Candidates can be referred to the programme by professional bodies and the judiciary.
- TOR nominations – The TOR team may identify candidates who attended selection days but were unsuccessful in their application.
Please allow up to 28 working days to receive an outcome on your application. We receive high volumes of applications and we are not able to fast track any applications.
Judicial Guide scheme
The Judicial Guide scheme matches programme participants to a Judicial Guide (please note that not all TO programme applicants are offered support from a Judicial Guide). Judicial Guides are members of the courts and tribunals judiciary who support TO programme participants with JAC selection exercises. The Judicial Guide scheme is co-badged with the Senior Judiciary and supported by the Judicial Office.
The scheme is currently supported by 174 accredited Judicial Guides who are experienced with the JAC selection exercise processes and can provide candidates with application support. This includes working with candidates on online application forms, sifting stages, interview skills, role plays or situational questions skills, and interpreting feedback effectively. The Judicial Guide scheme differs from the Judicial Mentoring scheme by focusing on supporting candidates through the stages of the JAC selection exercise process, rather than coaching, courtcraft and judgment writing which a Judicial Mentor might provide.
The Judicial Guide scheme was launched in January 2021 and is supported by the Targeted Outreach Director of Training, HHJ Nigel Lickley KC. In 2023, the scheme was formalised as part of the TO programme with endorsements from the then Lord Chief Justice, the Senior Presiding Judge, and the Senior President of Tribunals who granted their support of up to 3 days of protected time per year for each Judicial Guide. Support for the programme has been reaffirmed by the Lady Chief Justice, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill .
All Judicial Guides are accredited via formal training and support candidates by utilising their professional expertise and knowledge of the JAC’s selection exercise processes. The TOR team matches Judicial Guides to candidates by reviewing a Judicial Guide’s professional experience and expertise alongside a candidate’s intended JAC selection exercise and desired support.
For any questions or if you are interested in becoming a Judicial Guide, please feel free to contact targetedoutreach@judicialappointments.gov.uk.
The Judicial Guide scheme is supported by a Director and Deputy Director of Training. On behalf of the Judiciary, part of their portfolio includes the training and development of judicial guides, as well as managing the effectiveness of support to the Targeted Outreach programme.
Judicial Guide scheme Director and Deputy Director of Training
HHJ Nigel Lickley KC is the Judicial Guide scheme Director of Training, a position he has held since 2021. Nigel was called to the Bar in 1983 and became a Queen’s Counsel in 2006. He was appointed as an Assistant Recorder in 1998 and became a Recorder in 2000. Nigel has been a senior circuit Judge at the Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey) since 2018. He was appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2018.
Judge Carolyn Fyall is the current Judicial Guide scheme Deputy Director of Training. Carolyn is a salaried Judge, sitting in the Mental Health Tribunal, Health Education and Social Care Chamber. Previously a solicitor, an academic at Northumbria University and a Mental Health Act Commissioner, she has been lucky enough to always work in the area of mental health law with a view to supporting the rights of detained patients.
Resources and Support
Support
The TO programme is designed to help candidates prepare for the JAC selection exercise process. Applicants who are offered a place on the TO programme will be given a range of support including individual tailored advice and signposting to other resources on the JAC website. The JAC also works closely with alternative support schemes, which are recommended as part of the programme. Where considered appropriate, candidates may be matched with a Judicial Guide.
The following page outlines the formal support available for eligible people interested in applying to join the judiciary: overview of official support pathways for judicial applicants.
If you are interested in applying to the TO programme but do not currently meet the eligibility criteria, please refer to the below schemes:
- PAJE Programme – The Pre-Application Judicial Education programme is designed to support talented lawyers from under-represented groups to feel more equipped, confident and prepared when considering applying for a future judicial role. For more information please contact the PAJE programme on: PAJE@judiciary.uk.
- Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme – You can access official shadowing via the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme (JWSS) which is run by Judicial Office, this is open to all applicants.
- Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme – Judicial Careers – For longer-term support to cover things like courtcraft and judgement writing, we encourage you to consider applying to the Judicial Outreach Mentoring scheme (JOMS), which is also a Judicial Office initiative. Further information on how to apply can be found here: Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme. This scheme operates on a 6-month cohort basis and is only available to with professionally qualified legal academics who are either: Lawyers from an ethnic minority background, attended a (non-fee paying) state school and/or were the first generation in the family to attend university. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience and be seeking an appointment in the next two years (or at the next available opportunity). If you require further information on how to apply, please contact the team directly using the following email address: JudicialOutreachMentoringScheme@judiciary.uk.
- The Judicial Career Development Scheme – This is for Judges seeking structured support beyond the recruitment process, or those exploring their broader professional development. Supporting both fee-paid and salaried judges in tribunals and courts, the JCDS offers targeted guidance on career development and progression. This includes opportunities to build new skills, prepare for advancement, transition into leadership roles, or further develop within a current leadership position.
Resources
The TOR team is continually looking at tools and documents to help with the candidate journey. Listed below are resources which the TOR team suggest candidates refer to:
- Targeted Outreach and Research team’s Guide to JAC Selection Processes
- Targeted Outreach and Research team’s Pathways to the High Court
- Selection Day Resource
- Full JAC Advice and Resources
- Tribunal Roles Structure (please note that this diagram does not illustrate career progression)
- FAQs
Former Commissioners
The Targeted Outreach programme is supported by 6 former JAC Commissioners. Support includes consultation sessions and outreach activities, alongside their wider involvement with strategic planning, policy, and operational delivery.
Mathu Asokan 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 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.
Andrew Kennon 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 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.
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC 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.
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 1983-1987 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.
Integrity and Data Protection
The continued integrity of the independent, fair, open and merit-based process on which the JAC works will be assured by a strictly enforced ‘information barrier’ between the activities of the TOR team and the ongoing selection process and decisions of the Commission’s Selection and Character Committee. Applicants who are offered a place on the programme should ensure that this confidential information is not disclosed to the JAC when applying for selection exercise vacancies. If a candidate discloses their status on the TO programme to the JAC, or colleagues associated with the selection exercise process outside of the JAC, the TOR team are within their rights to withdraw all support for the candidate from the TO programme and Judicial Guide scheme. Disclosure of this nature undermines the information barrier between the TO programme and wider JAC selection exercise work and is in direct violation of the integrity of the programme. Likewise, members of the TOR team (including former JAC Commissioners and the JGS Director and Deputy Director of training) will declare any relationships or connections to a candidate being supported by the Targeted Outreach programme which may cause a possible conflict of interest. Any declaration will be noted as a matter of record.
Information about potential candidates engaged in the programme will not generally be available to anyone outside of the team. The only exception to this is where a candidate agrees to be put in touch with a Judicial Guide as part of the Judicial Guide scheme, in which case relevant information about the candidate will be shared with the judge. The TOR team are accountable to the JAC Chief Executive and Commission Board through regular reporting with anonymised and aggregated information on their activities and impact. Necessary data handling protocols and technical restrictions on data access have been introduced.