Quality assurance

The JAC has implemented quality assurance measures throughout the process to ensure that the appropriate systems are being adhered to and standards maintained.

We have taken measures to ensure that all stages of recruitment are free of bias and that everyone can participate equally. We ensure that the format and readability of test material is taken into account as well as its content. The equality proofing of all of the JAC's selection exercises is carried out by diversity advisers at the Bar Council and Law Society and when relevant from the Institute of Legal Executives, and is a key part of the JAC's overall quality assurance framework.

Other quality checks include:

  • sampling test papers and panel assessments;

  • observing interviews;

  • reviewing the progression of candidates through each stage of the process for any possible unfairness.


Assigned Commissioner

JAC staff apply quality assurance measures in all selection exercises to ensure fairness, consistency and accuracy. We have strengthened this quality assurance by introducing 'Assigned Commissioners'. Under this arrangement, a Commissioner is assigned to each selection exercise from its start and reviews all aspects of the process. This includes sampling test papers and panel assessments, briefing panels and attending meetings. At the same time, JAC staff closely manage the conduct of each exercise. The JAC Director must personally authorise all documents that go into the public domain and attend key stages of the process.

We take formal stock of progress during each selection exercise at the following key stages:

  • after applications have been received;

  • after shortlisting; and

  • after the selection day.

At each stage, the Director and Assigned Commissioner review the progression of candidates, from one stage of the process to another, for any possible unfairness and must be satisfied that the exercise is being run in accordance with the agreed policies and process, to a high standard and on time. Following each selection exercise, Commissioners meet to discuss lessons learned.