While fee paid work provides some opportunities for part-time work, the JAC believes that the diversity of the judiciary will be enhanced if there are more opportunities for salaried part time working.

Salaried part-time working is distinct from fee paid posts such as Deputy District Judge or Recorder, where the Judge sits for typically 15-30 days a year, and continues to practise for the rest of the time.

The numbers of Salaried Part-Time Working office holders in Tribunals are proportionately higher than in the courts, but the Lord Chancellor has now agreed that all posts below High Court should be considered for salaried part-time working.

By making the working pattern more flexible, greater numbers of part-time posts have the potential to enhance the diversity of candidates applying.  But  these part-time posts have to fit with the sitting patterns and needs of the Courts Service and Tribunals Service; when we are asked to advertise any salaried vacancy, the Ministry of Justice will tell us whether - and how many - part-time posts are available.

Your interest in part-time working will not affect the assessment of the merit of your application in any way, you will be tested against the qualities and abilities required exactly the same way as full-time applicants will. Selection Panels, the JAC Commissioners and the Lord Chancellor are not told if a candidate has expressed a preference for part-time working, which means it can play no part in the selection process. By convention salaried judges, whether part or full-time do not return to practice.

If candidates requesting part-time work are found to be among the strongest against the qualities and abilities required, they will be recommended for appointment.  The Courts Service or Tribunals Service has to try to accommodate them, but is not obliged to.