England: Greater diversity within applicant pool for judicial office promised

The strategy builds on the previous programme, which ran from 2020-2025, and is accompanied by a full evaluation of that work. For 2026-2030, it sets out three core objectives:

• Every judicial office holder fosters an inclusive working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect
• Greater diversity within the applicant pool for judicial office including by engaging with under-represented groups
• The judiciary will support diversity through the development of the career potential of all salaried and fee paid judges

Focus areas have been identified and will be reviewed annually, including:

• Increasing the number of black judges; the proportion of black judges has remained at one per cent for a decade
• Providing reasonable adjustments if required by disabled judicial office holders
• Expanding the diversity in the pool of applicants to the High Court and above
• The initiatives in the strategy aim to ensure fair access to opportunities rather than advantaging specific groups. Appointment decisions will continue to be based on merit, however, everyone with the requisite skills and abilities should have an equal opportunity to apply for and achieve judicial appointment.

Launching the strategy, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, said: “We are building a judiciary that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the society that we serve; an environment where legal talent, regardless of background, can flourish and succeed.”

Lord Justice Dingemans, Senior President of Tribunals, said: “The tribunals have made great progress in embedding diversity and inclusion into all that we do. Success relies in creating a culture in which all of our diverse and talented tribunal judges and members feel valued and supported. I look forward to continuing this vital work.”