Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many disability qualified members of tribunals there are and what the qualifications are for those roles; and if he will she make a statement.

As of 1 April 2019, there were 450 disability members in post across the First-tier Tribunal. This represents a significant increase from 358 members as of 1 April 2018. This information is taken from the Judicial Diversity statistics published at www.judiciary.uk/publications/judicial-diversity-statistics-2019

In terms of qualifications, the relevant statutory requirement is that “a person who is experienced in dealing with the physical or mental needs of disabled persons because they –

(a) work with disabled persons in a professional or voluntary capacity; or

(b) are themselves disabled.”

This is set out at www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/2692