Family Justice Council Vacancies
Can you help us to deliver better justice for families?
Applications invited for membership of the Family Justice Council.
The Family Justice Council is an interdisciplinary body with members drawn from a cross section of those who work, use, or have an interest in, the family justice system. They include judges, lawyers, doctors, social workers, academics and civil servants. The Council monitors the effectiveness of the family justice system, advising on reforms necessary for improvement and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to family justice in England and Wales.
The Family Justice Council has 4-5 vacancies for the following membership roles:
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
Academic:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience specialising in either family law or socio-legal studies of the family justice system.
- A track record of undertaking and publishing relevant scholarship in family law and/or socio-legal research of the family justice system.
- Ability to inform the Council on current research evidence relating to family law and family justice.
Director/ Deputy Director/ Assistant Director of Children’s Services:
- Substantial experience in the field of local authority children’s services, with particular emphasis on child protection work.
Silk:
- Substantial experience as a practising senior barrister (Silk) specialising in family work.
Public Law Solicitor:
- An experienced practising solicitor specialising in public law family work.
Please note that there is scope for two candidates to be appointed to this role. We are looking for one private practice lawyer and one local authority lawyer.
For all roles we are looking for the following:
- Evidence of working, through interdisciplinary consensus, to deliver timely and improved outcomes for families and children who are involved with the family justice system.
- Evidence of contribution at a strategic level and an analytical ability in dealing with complex issues.
- A demonstrable commitment to understanding and valuing diversity and inclusion.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to contribute to a strategic board/committee and experience as a team-player.
- Availability and willingness to give sufficient time to prepare for and attend four (hybrid) meetings per year in London and to participate fully in the work of the Family Justice Council and its working groups.
- Willingness to publicise the work of the Family Justice Council among relevant networks.
The post is for three years and is offered without remuneration. Reasonable travelling and other expenses are payable.
Applications must be submitted by 10am on Friday 26 April 2024. Interviews are due to take place in mid–June to early July. All interviews will be by MS Teams.
The Family Justice Council is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants and to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process.
We encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.