*Closes 02nd March*

Introduction from the Minister

I am seeking an outstanding individual with excellent leadership, engagement and communication skills and strong personal integrity to serve as Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Chair at an exciting and transformative moment for the justice system.

The JAC is a non-departmental public body established by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (CRA), which recommends candidates for judicial appointment, on merit, through fair and open competition.

Chair, Judicial Appointments Commission

Number of vacancies x 1

Time commitment x 3 day(s) per week

Remuneration: £750 per day

Length of term x 3 years

Application deadline: 11:59pm on 2 March 2026

Appointment description

  • Uphold the principles of judicial independence and the recruitment, on merit, of a high-calibre, diverse judiciary on the basis of fair and open competition.
  • Be the public face of the Commission, promoting and acting as an ambassador for its work and the rule of law, and playing a leading role, in cooperation with the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor and other partners, in securing a more diverse judiciary.
  • Exercise oversight of, and develop and maintain an effective partnership with, the Chief Executive. The Chair will provide expert advice, support and constructive challenge, holding the executive to account for delivering the Commission’s strategy and priorities, including a high volume of judicial appointment recruitment exercises.
  • Support the Chief Executive, as Accounting Officer, to ensure the Commission complies with the principles of good corporate governance and requirements for the use of public funds, and to drive efficiency and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Establish strong and constructive working relationships with the judiciary, the Lord Chancellor, Parliament, senior civil servants, the legal profession and other key stakeholders.
  • Chair Commission meetings ten times per year in London, bringing their experience and judgement to bear to advise the Chief Executive on a range of important strategy, governance and policy issues. They will also attend meetings of the Selection and Character Committee.
  • Support Commissioner recruitment by the Ministry of Justice, and lead, manage, motivate and appraise Commissioners.
  • Lead the Commission’s engagement with any Public Bodies Review of the Commission that might take place during the Chair’s tenure.
  • Sit on selection panels for the most senior and/or sensitive appointments alongside other Commissioners.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Leadership: the ability to set strategic vision and drive forward priorities of the JAC, including acting as an ambassador for the Commission, and the development of recruitment processes which support a modern and evolving justice system.
  • Communication: strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect, together with a personal style that demonstrates authority, integrity, discretion, trust and humility.
  • Knowledge: an understanding of the judiciary, its constitutional position, relationship with other branches of Government and independence, and that of the JAC. A clear understanding of the JAC’s statutory position, work, priorities and challenges and the context within which it operates including substantial knowledge or understanding of making senior appointments on merit with an appreciation of the need for diversity alongside the value of outreach and technology.
  • Experience: a strong track record of delivery of senior recruitment within the private, public or voluntary sectors and ability to chair and effectively handle the relationship between the Commission and the Executive.
  • Relationship building: ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with the senior judiciary, Ministers and senior Government officials and external stakeholders.
  • Collaboration: ability to work closely with the executive, board and other key stakeholders, such as the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance as appropriate

Application and selection proce

Some public appointments are made by the Prime Minister, or the Crown on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Others are made by Secretaries of State or other ministers and are of interest to the Prime Minister.

Public appointments made by or of interest to the Prime Minister

How to apply:

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

To apply, you must provide:

  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or potential reputational issues
  • You may also be asked to provide:
  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a supporting statement
  • a short biography

Your CV and Supporting Statement should be submitted to Russell Reynolds – https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/executive-opportunities

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

If you need to contact Russell Reynolds you can email responses@russellreynolds.com, quoting reference number 2601-092L.