JCIO 99/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Senior President of Tribunals, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Employment Judge Liam Varnam (EJ Varnam) with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial office-holders to show “diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties”. They are reminded that they should adhere to instructions and guidance on the delivery of judgments.

A complaint about EJ Varnam was referred to the JCIO stating that he had been responsible for a “pattern of repeated and serious delay in completing judicial work: eight long delayed judgments and orders,” of which two judgments remained outstanding at the time of referral.

EJ Varnam’s representations

In his representations, EJ Varnam cited personal issues as a result of which his productivity had been reduced. He acknowledged the delays in the cases which were the subject of the complaint and expressed his regret for those delays. He also explained the steps that had since been taken with his judicial mentor judge to progress the outstanding matters.

Nominated judge’s findings

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that EJ Varnam had delayed issuing judgments in at least eight cases.

In considering the appropriate sanction, the nominated judge noted that EJ Varnam had sought support from his mentor judge and resolved some of the delayed judgments.

In recommending a formal warning, the nominated judge took into account that there had been a persistent pattern of delay with one judgment remaining outstanding. EJ Varnam had not followed guidance to report outstanding judgments to his leadership judge, had not responded to chasing correspondence either at all or in a timely way and had not shown any insight into the impact of his failings on parties or the system as a whole.

Decision

Having considered the mitigation offered by EJ Varnam, the Senior President of Tribunals and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s findings and recommendation.

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website