Diversity
On this page you can find information about the work that the judiciary are collectively undertaking to foster an environment in which individuals, whatever their personal or professional background, can thrive. The judiciary recognise that diversity, inclusion and equality are fundamental to the rule of law and to what judicial office holders do.
The Judicial Diversity Committee of the Judges Council supports the Lady Chief Justice in fulfilling her statutory duty to encourage diversity through the development and implementation of the Judicial Diversity and Inclusion strategy and delivery plan. The progress of this work is published in annual updates and other communications from the Lady Chief Justice.
This page provides further information on schemes to support those considering applying to join the judiciary and the important roles of Diversity and Community Relations Judges and Magistrates. There are also links to the guidance for judiciary on expected behaviours and how to find statistics on the diversity of the judiciary.
Lady Chief Justice: Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Read the Lady Chief Justice’s statement on the importance of fair treatment
Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030
The D&I strategy was published in January 2026. It sets out the ambition, aim and objectives for the judiciary over the next five years
Statement of Expected Behaviour
Read more about the standards of behaviour expected from all judicial office holders.
Statistics
Annual judicial diversity statistics
Pre-Application Judicial Education Programme (PAJE)
Greater support to apply to become a judge
Schools and Universities Engagement
Online resources and information, and how to request a visit from a judge
Equal Treatment Bench Book
Read the latest version of the Bench Book.
Diversity and Community Relations Judges (DCRJs)
Information on DCRJs – who they are, what they do, and how to get in touch
Diversity and Community Relations Magistrates (DCRMs)
Information on DCRMs – who they are, what they do, and how to get in touch
Educational resources
Find resources to learn more about the role of judges, their role in society, and how they uphold the rule of law
Latest diversity news and updates
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May 22, 2026
Lady Chief Justice to co-chair new Judicial and Legal Diversity Board
Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill will co-chair the board, alongside the Lord Chancellor, in a continued commitment to improving diversity within the judiciary
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March 26, 2026
“You don’t realise that being a judge is actually in reach”: Law students visit Royal Courts of Justice
Students from the University of West London spent the day at the Royal Courts of Justice, with the chance to meet High Court and Tribunal judges and learn about the running of courts and tribunals
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March 20, 2026
District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Hina Rai shares her reflections on Eid-Al-Fitr
District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Hina Rai shares her experience of celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr
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February 6, 2026
Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales visits Cardiff pupils to discuss the rule of law in society
The Rt Hon the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill visited Cathays High School on Wednesday 4 February 2026
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January 21, 2026
Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030 launched
The new diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy has been published today, setting out a framework for the judiciary’s D&I work the next five years
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December 22, 2025
Shining light in dark places: A magistrate’s reflection on faith and service this Christmas
In a personal reflection for Christmas, Family Court magistrate Elliot Curryer JP explores how his Christian faith shapes his approach to public service