This page contains details of the targeted support programme managed by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) as well as information about other support schemes.
JAC Targeted Outreach programme
Our programme is designed to provide short-term help when needed around the judicial application process. It offers a range of support, including:
- tailored advice on each stage of the application process
- guidance from a former JAC Commissioner or an accredited Judicial Guide as appropriate
- access to wider support and resources
- confidential help on the suitability of any current vacancies
- information about additional support programmes run by partner organisations
Owing to limited resources, not all applicants will receive direct support from a JAC former Commissioner and/or Judicial Guides.
Eligibility
The JAC Targeted Outreach programme is only open to people who:
- are lawyers from an under-represented group (you must be a woman, from an ethnic minority, have a disability or be a solicitor)
- are applying or are about to apply for a legal role
- have already taken part in a partner programme or initiative within the last 3 years
- have gained the minimum amount of legal experience required (law students are not eligible)
- a citizen of Britain, the Republic of Ireland or a Commonwealth country
Being accepted on the programme does not guarantee judicial appointment.
How to apply
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the online form to apply.
We encourage applications from people who have previously applied for a judicial post, but have been unsuccessful.
You can also be nominated for the JAC programme by a relevant professional body or the judiciary.
In some cases, the Targeted Outreach and Research (TOR) team may identify people who attended selection days but were not successful.
We will confirm if you have been successful within 28 working days. You will need to re-apply to the programme each time you apply for a new role and want access to this support.
After you apply
The TOR team will consider each individual application and decide the most suitable level of support. They will aim to match you to:
- resources and support schemes in line with your application
- a former JAC Commissioner who had oversight recruiting for the judicial role you are interested in
- a Judicial Guide who held the role you are interested in
We prioritise applications based on eligibility, how ready you are to apply and when we are holding the next selection exercise.
Additional support
Find out about additional guidance, resources, and support available to you.
Reasonable adjustments
We encourage applicants to be as open with our team as possible. Our Targeted Outreach programme is flexible and tailored to you. The team will review any information you provide on your application (or raise directly with us) and work to put in place the most appropriate support for you.
Find out about reasonable adjustments at selection exercises.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the programme, contact the Targeted Outreach and Research team.
Additional support programmes
The Judiciary website offers more detailed information on support pathways for judicial applicants.
This programme is open to participants from all legal backgrounds and aims to help participants develop their understanding of the role and skills required of a judge.
It offers a series of digital resources including short online videos and podcasts where judges talk about their work and the judiciary. They cover a range of topics such as:
- judgecraft
- decision-making
- judicial ethics
- resilience
- equality and diversity
After watching them, candidates can apply to attend judge-led group discussion sessions with spaces prioritised for lawyers from under-represented groups.
Find out about the Pre-Application Judicial Education (PAJE) Programme.
This scheme is open to:
- barristers
- solicitors
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
- registered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys
- professionally-qualified legal academics
It is designed to give individuals who are considering a career in the judiciary insights into the work of a judge.
Find out about the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme.
This scheme is open to members of under-represented groups who are:
- barristers
- solicitors
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
- professionally-qualified legal academics
The scheme provides support such as networking opportunities and regular check-ins with a mentor judge over 6 months. It enables participants to consider whether taking up judicial office is right for them by helping establish the skills and experience needed to support an application to judicial office, and determine areas for development.
Find out about the Judicial Outreach Mentoring Scheme.
This scheme 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
- further develop within a current leadership position
You can find more details about the scheme on the judicial intranet.