More female judges appointed - but ethnic minority candidates making slower progress

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/jun/14/more-female-judges-appointed

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Women have a made a strong showing in the latest appointments to the bench, according to the latest statistics released by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).

But the figures, which cover more than 700 recommendations for appointment over a six-month period from October 2011 to March 2012, show less pronounced progress by those from minority ethnic backgrounds trying to move up into more senior judicial roles.

The Ministry of Justice is eager to promote judicial diversity while preserving the principle of selection on merit. The Crime and Courts Bill, which is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords, contains measures changing the rules to extend part-time working patterns to enable senior judges to help balance their work and family lives.

It also introduces 'positive action' for appointments, so that if two candidates are deemed of completely equal ability, a selection can be made between them with the aim of improving diversity on the bench.

Christopher Stephens, chairman of the JAC, said: "In our merit-based selections women continue to perform well and are being selected in greater proportions than men in some exercises. Almost a thousand women have now been selected by the JAC.

"Their strong performance in competitions for entry and middle level roles bodes well for the future if they choose to seek more senior positions. The government's commitment to more salaried part-time working at senior levels should also help make a difference for women and other groups."

Forty-three percent of the candidates recommended for appointment as district judges (civil) were women, even though women only made up 19% of the eligible pool. However, would-be female circuit judges for heavyweight crime cases were less successful. A fifth of the eligible candidates were women, but they made up 14% of those who applied and eight percent of those recommended for appointment.

Those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, the JAC said, have continued to apply in much larger numbers than their level in the eligible pool, but the proportion being selected compared to the proportion applying was poor. Some did not provide sufficient "supporting evidence" of previous judicial experience.

Christopher Stephens said: "There are some good results for BAME candidates. It is positive to see successes in both the courts and tribunals and in a salaried legal exercise. We will discuss these findings with BAME groups and the judiciary to help make further progress in future exercises."

The justice minister Lord McNally said: "This report is very encouraging and I am pleased progress is being made. We are keen to see a more diverse judiciary that is more reflective of our society, without diluting the very high quality of judges we already have.

"However, we must not rest on our laurels and it is important that all involved in the appointments process continue to build on the achievements to date. The government is in the process of making a range of changes to help remove obstacles to this, such as extending part-time working patterns for senior judges to help them better balance work and family lives. I hope that this welcome trend encourages more women and BAME members of the legal professions to consider the judiciary as a realistic career ambition."