Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps are being taken to tackle reports of discrimination and bullying in relation to the (a) appointment and (b) promotion of judges within the judiciary system.

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is the independent body that has responsibility for recommending candidates for the appointment and promotion of judicial office in courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and for some tribunals with UK-wide jurisdiction. JAC processes are constantly reviewed and regularly independently assessed. They have been found to be fair, objective and in line with best practice.

The Lord Chancellor is concerned about any reports of discrimination and bullying within the judiciary, whilst recognising that the Lord Chief Justice is responsible for the welfare of the England and Wales courts judiciary and the Senior President of Tribunals for the welfare of judges in the UK unified tribunals. Judicial Grievance policies provide a route for judges to raise issues of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination and provide a framework for raising complaints formally or informally. In addition, the Judicial Guide to Conduct offers assistance to judges, coroners and magistrates about their conduct through the provision of a set of core principles.