Qualities and abilities
The JAC has identified the following qualities and abilities that are required for judicial office.
There is a generic set of qualities and abilities, with a number of adaptions for specific posts which now include a leadership and management set for more senior roles. The precise qualities and abilities for each post will be published in the information pack for each exercise.
QUALITIES AND ABILITIES - GENERIC
1. Intellectual capacity
• High level of expertise in your chosen area or profession
• Ability quickly to absorb and analyse information
• Appropriate knowledge of the law and its underlying principles, or the ability to acquire this knowledge where necessary.
2. Personal qualities
• Integrity and independence of mind
• Sound judgement
• Decisiveness
• Objectivity
• Ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Ability to work constructively with others.
3. An ability to understand and deal fairly
• An awareness of the diversity of the communities which the courts and tribunals serve and an understanding of differing needs
• Commitment to justice, independence, public service and fair treatment
• Willingness to listen with patience and courtesy.
4. Authority and communication skills
• Ability to explain the procedure and any decisions reached clearly and succinctly to all those involved
• Ability to inspire respect and confidence
• Ability to maintain authority when challenged.
5. Efficiency
• Ability to work at speed and under pressure
• Ability to organise time effectively and produce clear reasoned judgments expeditiously.
(including leadership and managerial skills where appropriate)
QUALITIES AND ABILITIES - LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
1. Intellectual Capacity
• High level of expertise in your chosen area or profession
• Ability quickly to absorb and analyse information
• Appropriate knowledge of the law and its underlying principles, or the ability to acquire this knowledge where necessary.
2. Personal Qualities
• Integrity and independence of mind
• Sound judgement
• Decisiveness
• Objectivity
• Ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Ability to work constructively with others.
3. An ability to understand and deal fairly
• An awareness of the diversity of the communities which the courts and tribunals serve and an understanding of differing needs
• Commitment to justice, independence, public service and fair treatment
• Willingness to listen with patience and courtesy.
4. Authority and Communication Skills
• Ability to explain the procedure and any decisions reached clearly and succinctly to all those involved
• Ability to inspire respect and confidence
• Ability to maintain authority when challenged.
5. Leadership and Management Skills
• Ability to form strategic objectives and to provide leadership to implement them effectively
• Ability to motivate, support and encourage the professional development for whom you are responsible
• Ability to engage constructively with judicial colleagues and the administration, and to manage change effectively
• Ability to organise own and others time and manage available resources.