Equality and fair treatment is at the centre of all the JAC does.

The JAC makes significant efforts to ensure our processes are fair and all applicants receive equal treatment.

The JAC is an independent Commission that selects candidates for judicial office in courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and for some tribunals whose jurisdiction extends to Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the JAC has a statutory duty to:
• select candidates solely on merit;
• select only people of good character and
• have regard to the need to encourage diversity in the range of persons available for selection

In addition to our duty under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Equality Act 2010 applied a general duty to public authorities to:
• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
• advance equality of opportunity between different groups and
• foster good relations between different groups

The JAC is also subject to specific duties set out in regulations which came into force on 10 September 2011, which, require it to publish relevant, proportionate information demonstrating compliance with the equality duty and to set specific, measurable equality objectives.

This statement outlines the work the JAC undertakes, which demonstrates our compliance with the general duty.