Message from LCJ and SPT: Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Update 2023
Cross JurisdictionalDiversity InformationLady Chief JusticeSenior President of TribunalsNews
We welcome today’s annual update of the Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, the third since the Strategy’s launch in 2020. It shows that progress has been made, which is positive news. At the same time, it is also clear that there remains much still to do.
The report sets out the work that has taken place against each of the Strategy’s four core objectives. Work will continue on all fronts, but in the year ahead there will be a particular focus on two areas: the current underrepresentation of black judges and accommodation for disabled judges.
Results from the Judicial Attitude Survey will enable us to track responses on bullying, harassment and discrimination issues. This will allow us to assess the impact of our inclusion work, including the inclusion training which has continued since the last Strategy update. The training helps us to build on the positive and also to recognise the negative impact of exclusionary behaviour and to develop confidence in challenging such behaviour.
The Statement of Expected Behaviour published in 2023, and now embedded in the Guide to Judicial Conduct, provides a shared understanding of what we can expect from one another. It is important that all understand their role in fostering an inclusive working environment. The Statement now features in the inclusion training and also forms the basis of discussions between judicial office holders.
We encourage you to have conversations with your colleagues and leadership judges with a view to contributing to the wide range of activities contained in the Strategy, many of which are being developed and delivered locally.
We are grateful to all judicial office holders for their commitment to a diverse and inclusive judiciary. Please do take time to read the report; we commend it to you.
The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales
The Right Honourable Sir Keith Lindblom
Senior President of Tribunals