Family Procedure Rule Committee (FPRC)
- Body
- Family Procedure Rule Committee
- Appointing Department
- Ministry of Justice
- Sector
- Judicial, Prison & Policing
- Location
- London
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- The role is unremunerated, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including travel) will be payable.
- Time Requirements
- Nine meetings a year in addition to participation in sub-groups to progress work out of Committee.
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
08/02/2019
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Closed for Applications
08/03/2019
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Panel Sift
w/c 11 March 2019
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Final Interview Date
30/05/2019
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Announcement
07/06/2021
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
The Lord Chancellor has appointed 2 new members to the Family Procedure Rule Committee (FPRC), Tony McGovern as solicitor member from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023, and Bill Turner as lay member from 4 November 2019 to 3 November 2022.
The Lord Chancellor has also appointed 3 practitioner members, Poonam Bhari, Graeme Fraser and Rhys Taylor for 3 years from 1 March 2021.
The Lord Chancellor has also reappointed Melanie Carew, as the Cafcass nominated member, for a second two year term from 1 December 2020.
The FPRC was established under Section 77 of the Courts Act 2003 to make family procedure rules. Its aim is to make clear, easily understandable rules to create an accessible, fair and efficient family justice system.
Date: 07/06/2021
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Andrew Jones
- Added
- 08/02/2019
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Head of Family Justice Policy Departmental Official
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| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Alasdair Wallace,
- Added
- 08/02/2019
- Positions
- Head of Civil & Family Law Team FPRC Representative Departmental Official
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| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Tariq Usmani
- Added
- 08/02/2019
- Positions
- Independent Member
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| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
Vacancy Description
The Family Procedure Rule Committee was set up in October 2004 to make Family Procedure Rules. The aim, to produce one set of simple and simply expressed rules of court for all family proceedings in the High Court and, as they were then known the county courts and magistrates’ courts. The Family Procedure Rules were made in 2010 and implemented in April 2011. The Rules and supporting Practice Direction will be maintained and developed to support new legislation and policy initiatives.
The Committee meets in London on a Monday on average once a month (excluding January, August and September). Meeting frequencies can however vary to accommodate the priorities of work coming before the Committee. Meetings generally last the morning and start at 11:00am. It is possible for meetings to last the full day and members would be expected to accommodate such meetings. Papers are circulated four days in advance of the meetings, to afford members the time to study the papers. The committee is supported by a dedicated secretariat who will provide an introduction information pack and support for all new members. The appointment will be for a period of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal carried out after the first year of service and then annually under the guidance of the Office of The Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) and will commence TBC. The post is offered without remuneration though travelling and reasonable expenses will be payable.
Person Specification
Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Interest in the broad field of law concerning family courts and the rule making process
- A commitment to valuing diversity
- An understanding of the impact made through amendments to the Family Procedure Rules and Practice Directions.
- Understanding and knowledge of the court processes and administrative procedures within the family jurisdiction;
- Evidence of the ability to work in a committee; take an active and influential part in debate and to make time to serve on the Committee.
- Commitment to the simplification and reform of family justice procedures;
Additional Information
It will be important that a Member’s other commitments do not cast any doubt on their ability to act independently and impartially in discharging the role; any potential conflict of interest or anything which might cause embarrassment should you be appointed must be declared.
Public appointees are required to uphold the Board/Committee on Standards in Public Life’s Seven Principles of Public Life (see Appendix 1).
Lay members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor in consultation with the Master of the Rolls.
Public appointments are offered on a fixed term basis. We do this to ensure that the leadership of our public bodies is regularly refreshed and the Board/Committee can benefit from new perspectives and ideas. The appointment will run for a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment for a further term subject to satisfactory appraisal and at the discretion of Ministers. Overall, the tenure period should not normally exceed ten years.
How to Apply
Send the following documents:
- Your completed expression of interest (EOI);
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- Political activity declaration form; and the
- Equal opportunities monitoring form. Completed applications should be sent to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gsi.gov.uk , receipt of applications will be acknowledged.