Selection Day FAQ
What happens on Selection Day ?
There will be an interview and often a role-play to assess your qualities and abilities. The Information Pack for candidates for each selection exercise, and the letter inviting you to the selection day, will give you details of what to expect. The entire panel will discuss and agree the assessment of each candidate against the required qualities and abilities.
Where are Selection Days held?
They are normally in London, often at the JAC's building near St James Park tube station.
How long will I be required to stay?
The length of time will vary according to the exercise but it will normally be less than a whole day.
Will I be reimbursed travel costs and other expenditure?
Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse any expenses incurred attending the test. We are prepared to make exceptions to this rule to help those with a disability. We will consider other applications for assistance in limited exceptional circumstances.
If I can't make it, can I arrange an alternative date?
For some exercises it may be possible to consider requests to attend on a different day. However, dates are provided in the Information Pack and you should make every effort to be available.
Will I be briefed beforehand? How can I prepare for the role play?
You will be given a briefing sheet at the venue, with time to read and prepare carefully. Candidates who have visited a Court or Tribunal hearing as an observer say that it has been helpful. It means they have seen how the judge operates, the layout of the room, who is there and what parts they all play.
How long will the role play last?
Typically they take 30 minutes. You will be told how long in advance.
Who will be marking my role-play performance?
If there is a role-play, it will be marked by two of the Panel - a Judicial Member and a Lay Member. They will normally be sitting out of your sight.
Who else will be present in the role-play?
The "cast" will play the people who would be there in an actual hearing. For example, if it is a Tribunal post, there may be other Panel Members alongside you. There may be a "lawyer" for each side in the case, and there may even be a "member of the public" in the room. The information you are given in advance will tell you who is going to be there. You should be aware that the role-play starts from the moment you walk into the room - so go straight into role.
Who is the interview panel made up of?
Interview panels are usually three members, the Panel Chair, a Judicial Member and an Independent Member. If the Selection Day includes role plays the panel will have an additional Judicial Member. All panels are fully trained.
How long will an interview last?
Typically they take 45 minutes.
What kind of questions are asked?
The questions will be designed to give you the opportunity to give answers which demonstrate how you have shown the qualities and abilities required for the role. You will have used examples in your written application and you may be asked about these. You may also be asked for different examples.
Will you make reasonable adjustments for any disability?
Applications for reasonable adjustments must be made on your application form.
The JAC is committed to considering any reasonable adjustments needed to ensure that you can participate in the selection process fairly. The application form asks you to identify any arrangements and adjustments you may require. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the information given will not be used in selection decisions.
What should I do if I need reasonable adjustments and didn't request them on my application form?
You should contact the JAC Candidate Services Team as soon as possible to give them as long as possible to consider and respond to your request. If you make the request on the day the JAC staff will do their best to make the adjustments you need, but it will not always be possible if - for example - you need extra equipment.