Can you help us to deliver better justice for families? Applications invited for membership of the Family Justice Council
About 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 continuous improvement and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to family justice in England and Wales.
Recruitment Information Webinar – 2 April 2025 at 5.30pm (MS Teams)
The Family Justice Council (FJC) hosted a webinar to hear more about the exciting work of the Council and what it is like to be a member.
The event was hosted by Mr Justice Keehan, Deputy Chair of the FJC, who was joined by our current Legal Adviser and Magistrate members, Bernadette MacQueen and Natalia Schiffrin, alongside our ex-officio member for Cafcass, Barry Tilzey.
Please follow this link to view the recording of the webinar.
Vacancies
The Family Justice Council has vacancies for the following two membership roles:
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
Legal Adviser
- Employment by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) as a Justices’ Legal Adviser with substantial experience in family proceedings.
- Evidence of ability to recognise the challenges that court users may face.
Magistrate
- Substantial experience as a Magistrate, preferably as a Presiding Justice, in the Family Court.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the family justice system both nationally and locally.
- Ability to develop a good working relationship with the local Designated Family Judge and the Local Family Justice Board and develop and maintain a link with the Magistrate’s Association Family Court Committee.
- Evidence of ability to recognise the challenges that court users may face.
For all roles we are looking for the following essential criteria:
- 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 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 at a strategic level (preferably including contributions to a strategic board/committee) and experience of working collaboratively in that context.
- 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 travel costs to meetings and some other expenses are payable.
How to Apply
For further information on the role and how to apply please see the Candidate Information Pack, which can be downloaded below. An application form can also be downloaded below.
Applications must be submitted by 4.30pm on 30 April 2025 to fjc@justice.gov.uk.
Interviews are due to take place in w/c 16 June or w/c 23 June. All interviews will be via 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.