JAC statement on the Ministry of Justice's judicial appointments and diversity consultation paper
We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Government's proposals.
Date: 21 November 2011
We want to see greater judicial diversity, particularly at more senior levels, and we are pleased to see the proposal to extend part time working opportunities to High Court judges and above. We also look forward to views about use of the 'tipping point' and compatibility with our statutory duty to select 'solely on merit'.
While we are pleased the consultation paper recognises the JAC has brought greater transparency and openness to the process, it will be important to ensure proposals do not have a detrimental effect on the independence of selections.
Notes
- The Commission will be giving full consideration to the document and submitting a formal response which will be published on our website. The JAC has already provided written evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee's inquiry on judicial appointments and will be giving oral evidence on 7 December.
- Diversity - Since the creation of the JAC, every level of the courts judiciary, other than Heads of Division, has become more diverse - both in terms of women and black and minority ethnic judges. The tribunals do not have published diversity data.
- Speed and cost - The selection process is faster and cheaper than when it was run by the executive. In 2010/11 the number of applications increased by 50 per cent while overall costs have reduced by 20 per cent.
- The Ministry of Justice's consultation paper can be read in full on their website.