Work to assess changes to the Judicial Disciplinary System
Following the publication in October 2023 of new statutory regulations and supporting rules, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) will be conducting a review to assess how the changes are working.
By way of background, the 2023 changes followed a thorough review, led by the lady Chief Justice, a full public consultation and, in relation to the changes to statutory regulations, Parliament's approval.
The changes were introduced to:
- Streamline complaints-handling processes, to make them fairer, more proportionate and improve timeliness in dealing with complaints
- Transferring responsibility for considering complaints about tribunal judges and non-legal members from Chamber Presidents to the JCIO
- Increase transparency, for example through more detailed disciplinary statements with publication periods proportionate to the disciplinary action taken, and a more detailed JCIO annual report.
When the changes were introduced, a commitment was made to review their impact in due course. Accordingly, this review is intended to look at the impact of the 2023 changes – it is not another review of the disciplinary system itself.
The review, which will be led by the JCIO, is intended to identify any areas where there is a need for extra guidance or support for those who work with, or are affected by, the disciplinary process.
The JCIO is also contacting groups, who have regular involvement in the disciplinary process and external stakeholders, who may have an interest to invite feedback.
It aims to produce a report for the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor with a summary of its findings, including plans for any further work needed to address issues identified, later this year
If you'd like to offer any feedback about the changes, please complete this online form (external link) before Monday 31 March 2025.
All feedback received will be considered carefully and used to identify any areas where there is a need for extra guidance or support for those who work with, or are affected by, the judicial complaints process.