Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman (PAT160006)

Announced

Body:	Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman
Appointing Department:	Ministry of Justice
Sector:	Judicial, Prison & Policing
Location:	The role is based in London (there is scope for remote working, which is encouraged)
Skills required:	Legal / Judicial
Number of Vacancies:	1
Remuneration:	£400 per day.
Time Requirements:	2 days per week, for five-year tenure.

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

Date: 04/03/2021

View Announcement

Campaign Timeline

Competition Launched

29/07/2020
Closed for Applications

03/09/2020 at 09:00
Panel Sift

28/09/2020
Final Interview Date

10/11/2020
Announcement

04/03/2021 at 10:00

Assessment Panel

Annabel Burns Added 14/07/2020

Panel Chair

MoJ Director, Judicial & Legal Services Policy • Departmental Official

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Shirley Cooper Added 14/07/2020

Non-Executive Director • Departmental Official

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Dame Anne Rafferty Added 14/07/2020

Retired Lady Justice of Appeal • Other Panel Member

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Dr Arif Ahmed Added 28/08/2020

Reader in Philosophy at Cambridge • Independent Member

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Vacancy Description

As the Ombudsman, you are expected to consider:

Judicial appointments

Complaints from candidates for judicial office about the way in which their application was handled;
Matters referred by the Lord Chancellor relating to the procedures of the JAC or a committee of the Commission;

Judicial conduct and discipline

Complaints from a complainant about a JoH, or from a JOH who was the subject of a complaint, about how that complaint was handled; and
Matters referred by the Lord Chancellor or the LCJ relating to the handling of judicial conduct issues.

The Ombudsman is also empowered to:

Uphold a complaint (in whole or in part);
Make recommendations, including a recommendation for payment of compensation for loss suffered as a result of maladministration;
Review how a disciplinary case against a JoH has been handled. This requires the Ombudsman to find whether a complaint should be upheld and to make recommendations which may include recommendations for payment of compensation for any failure or maladministration;
Set aside a disciplinary decision and require that the matter be subject to further investigation and reconsideration.

It is the responsibility of the Ombudsman to:

Investigate, determine or make recommendations with regard to complaints against those whom he or she is empowered to investigate;
Investigate and make recommendations with regard to such matters as are referred to him or her under the Act by the Lord Chancellor or LCJ;
Develop and maintain an open, constructive and professional relationship with all stakeholders, particularly the Lord Chancellor, the LCJ, the JAC and the JCIO;
Raise and sustain awareness of the Ombudsman among members of the public, the media, the judiciary and other interested groups;
Lead and provide strategic direction to the Ombudsman’s Office;
Act in accordance with his Code of Conduct (which is currently under review); and
Promote the efficient and effective use of people and other resources in his office and encourage high standards of propriety.

Eligibility

Schedule 13 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 states that people are ineligible to be appointed as the JACO if they have ever been:

A practising barrister in England and Wales;
A practising solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales;
A practising advocate in Scotland;
A practising solicitor in Scotland;
A practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland;
A practising solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland;
The holder of an office listed in Schedule 14 of the Constitutional Reform Act (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/4/schedule/14), which includes the Courts Judiciary, justices of the peace and lay members of tribunals.
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 also specifically requires the Lord Chancellor to consider whether other factors might make people unsuitable for appointment. This includes whether they have previously exercised functions which appear to be of a judicial nature; past service as a Commissioner, a member of staff in the House of Lords or Commons or as a Civil Servant; or any present or past party political activity or affiliations.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

Integrity, fairness and independence of mind, and the ability to work independently and organise own time efficiently;
Ability to absorb, analyse, understand and explain complex, high profile and sensitive cases;
Demonstrable ability to make evidence-based sound judgements and decision-making plus the ability to assimilate and analyse and understand complex arguments;
Evidence of building and sustaining effective relationships through strong leadership and communication skills for example, the ability to influence and engage in a professional manner with senior figures in Government and the judiciary; and
Demonstrable commitment to, and an understanding of, diversity and equality.

Desirable criteria:

Knowledge or experience of the procedures for effectively dealing with complaints

Additional Information

For successful candidates, confirmation of appointment will be subject to basic clearance checks, covering confirmation of identity and right to work in the UK, a criminal record check and CTC. This will involve completion of several paper and electronic forms and can take up to twelve weeks to process following completion of the forms.

If you have any questions about any aspects of this post, you are welcome to contact Campaign Manager, Kathy Malvo by e-mail at Kathleen.malvo@justice.gov.uk.

How to Apply

To make an application please complete the diversity monitoring form by clicking the link below

DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM

Can you also please send:

A CV(maximum two sides of A4) detailing your qualifications, employment history and any appointments or offices you hold. Please also provide your preferred contact number and email address.
A personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) providing evidence against the role criteria and your suitability for the post, including evidence of leadership qualities and a vision for the organisation. Please consider the role and criteria carefully in preparing your statements. Information from Advisory Assessment Panels indicates that applications which offer specific and tailored examples against the criteria, making clear the candidate’s role in achieving an outcome are often the strongest. Structuring the statement around the criteria using relevant headings also aids clarity.
Guidance on how writing an application is provided at (Appendix 2).

Completed applications should be sent to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk quoting reference PAT 160006 in the subject line of your email. We will acknowledge receipt.

Covid-19 pandemic: in line with UK Government advice to stay alert and safe, interviews will take place remotely. We will write to you if there is any change to this position.