About us
The JAC is an independent Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) set up by the Constitutional Reform Act in 2005 to select judicial office holders. We select candidates for judicial office. We do so on merit, through fair and open competition, from the widest range of eligible candidates.
We were set up in order to maintain and strengthen judicial independence by taking responsibility for selecting candidates for judicial office out of the hands of the Lord Chancellor and making the appointments process clearer and more accountable.
For the first time in 900 years, the Lord Chancellor no longer has the sole power to select which judge to appoint. Instead we select, and make a recommendation to him. He can reject that recommendation but he is required to provide his reasons to us.
The JAC was officially launched on 3 April 2006. For more background information visit the section on history and context.
Our work so far
Since our launch on 3 April 2006 we have been working on three main priorities, while at the same time running selection exercises under transitional arrangements. The three priorities were,
1. defining merit: that is - what makes a good judge
2. refining and improving effective and fair methods for assessing merit
3. determining how best to encourage a wide range of applicants.
The progress that we have made has resulted in our revised policies and processes that are described in detail in our how we select section.
Relationship with our sponsoring body
As a NDPB we are sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. The arrangements and relationship between the JAC and the MoJ (then DCA) are detailed in the Framework Document, available as a download from the right hand menu, that sets out the strategic control framework for us, including the conditions under which government funds are provided. A letter to Baroness Prashar from Lord Falconer, dated 12 October 2006, covering points raised in the process of settling the Framework Document is also available.
Corporate and Business Plans
The Corporate Plan 2008 - 2011 and Business Plan 2008 - 2009 are available as downloads from the right hand menu on this page.
The Corporate Plan, which is the second 3-year plan produced by the JAC, sets our strategic objectives over the next three years and explains how we will achieve these objectives.
Our third Business Plan flows directly from the Corporate Plan and shows how we intend to achieve our strategic objectives in the first year of the Corporate Plan period within the resources provided.
Alternative formats of the plans are available on request by email.