Announcements (Archive)

Family Procedure Rule Commitee (FPRC) - Non Judicial Practitioner Members x 3

Body
Family Procedure Rule Committee
Appointing Department
Ministry of Justice
Sectors
Judicial, Prison & Policing, Regulation
Location
London
Skills required
Legal / Judicial, Regulation
Number of Vacancies
3
Remuneration
The role is unremunerated, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including travel) will be payable. Travel and subsistence allowances may be payable on the same basis as that applicable to civil servants where the post holder is required to travel to other locations or stay overnight in the course of their duties.
Time Requirements
Nine meetings per year, plus contributions to thematic working groups

Campaign Timeline

  1. Competition Launched

    03/09/2020

  2. Closed for Applications

    25/09/2020 at 17:00

  3. Panel Sift

    16/10/2020

  4. Final Interview Date

    17/11/2020

  5. 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

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Assessment Panel

Panel Member
Jamie Paul
Added
03/09/2020
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
Head of Public Family Law Policy Departmental Official
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Joanna Norris
Added
03/09/2020
Positions
Legal Adviser Departmental Official
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Dylan Jones
Added
03/09/2020
Positions
Representative of Organisation
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Samantha Callan
Added
03/09/2020
Positions
Independent Member
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Political Activity-
Notes-

Vacancy Description

Members of the Committee have collective responsibility for the operation of the FPRC. They must:

  • Engage fully in collective consideration of the issues, taking account of the full range of relevant factors, including any guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice or by the Lord Chancellor.
  • Ensure that its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act (including prompt responses to public requests for information) are discharged; agree an Annual Report; and, where practicable and appropriate, hold at least one meeting a year in public.
  • Respond appropriately to complaints, if necessary with reference to the Ministry of Justice.
  • Ensure that the Committee does not exceed its powers or functions.

Communications between the Committee and the Lord Chancellor will generally be through the Chair.  Nevertheless, any Committee member has the right of access to Ministers on any matter which he or she believes raises important issues relating to his or her duties as a Committee member.  In such cases, the agreement of the rest of the Committee should normally be sought.

From time to time issues of a confidential nature may arise during Committee work.  The duty of confidentiality obliges members to respect the confidentiality of such work. Confidential information that members obtain during the course of membership of the Committee must not be used for the benefit of their own or others use.

Individual Committee members can be removed from office by the Lord Chancellor if they fail to perform the duties required of them in line with the standards expected in public office.

Person Specification

Statutory appointment criteria applicable to specific Committee positions

We are seeking to attract applications from family practitioners for three positions (which are currently filled by two barristers and a solicitor) who can demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications/authorisations and experience to satisfy the role-specific statutory appointment criteria for one or more of the positions, as set out below:

Practitioner vacancy 1:  Candidates must have a Senior Courts qualification, and particular experience of family practice in the High Court;

Practitioner vacancy 2:  Candidates must have a Senior Courts qualification, and  particular experience of family practice in the family court;

Practitioner vacancy 3:  Candidates must have been authorised by a relevant approved regulator to conduct litigation in relation to all proceedings in the Senior Courts, and have experience of family practice in the High Court.

Candidates should indicate for which post(s) they wish to be considered within their application.

Other essential criteria – applicable to all applicants

Candidates who meet the statutory appointment criteria for one or more of the advertised posts will also be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Interest in the broad field of law concerning family courts and the rule making process;
  • Evidence of sound committee experience and inter-personal skills;
  • Evidence of the ability to take an active and influential part in debate, and to make time to serve on the Committee;
  • A commitment to valuing inclusion and diversity;
  • Understanding and knowledge of the court processes and administrative procedures within the family jurisdiction; and
  • Commitment to the simplification and reform of family justice procedures.

Additional Information

Eligibility

This appointment is open to British or Commonwealth citizens, British Dependent Territories citizens, British Nationals (Overseas) citizens, British protected persons, citizens of the Republic of Ireland, European Economic Area (EEA) nationals or to those of other member states, and to certain non-EEA family members. Applicants must have rights of residence in the UK.

We welcome applications from all those who are eligible.

However, as the Family Procedure Rule Committee was established to carry out an independent function at arm’s length from the Government, we are mindful that appointing someone who is employed by a government department might compromise that independence – or perception of independence – as well as diminishing the confidence of stakeholders and the general public.

If you are in receipt of a salary from a government department and wish to apply, you should expect that – if selected for interview – the Advisory Assessment Panel will explore whether any perceived or real conflicts of interest might exist if you were to be appointed and, if so, how this might be managed or mitigated. The latter might include an undertaking to resign from government employment, if appointed, and – if considered appropriate – for there to be an interval between resignation and taking up appointment to the Family Procedure Rule Committee.

How to Apply

Send the following documents:

  • A copy of your CV, in no more than two sides of A4
  • A supporting statement with your answers  that evidence how you meet all the criteria, in no more than two sides of A4
    • Declarations of interest form;
    • Names and contacts details of two referees (who will be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview);
    • Please complete the diversity monitoring form via the link here:DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM
    • Complete applications should be sent to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk,receipt of applications will be acknowledged.Please note that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current restrictions on gatherings, travel, and the recommended social distancing advice will influence the recruitment process and timetable. Ministers are still making public appointments; however, the COVID-19 pandemic will also impact on their time. Therefore, flexibility regarding the process and timetable will be required. Candidates will be updated whenever and wherever there are changes to the process and/or timetable.