Lay Member for the Bedfordshire Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace
- Body
- Bedfordshire Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace
- Appointing Department
- Ministry of Justice
- Sector
- Judicial, Prison & Policing
- Location
- Bedfordshire
- Number of Vacancies
- 3
- Remuneration
- Unpaid – Candidates will not generally be reimbursed for the cost of travelling to and from interviews, or for any other expenses incurred in the process of pursuing their application. Travelling expenses and loss of earnings would be paid once appointed.
- Time Requirements
- Around a 10 day commitment required interviewing for new magistrates together with additional days for meetings etc as and when required.
- Closing Date
- 06/10/2017 1700
- Interviews
- w/c 13th November 2017 and will be held at Luton Magistrates Court, The Court House, Stuart Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 5BL.
Vacancy Description
The functions of advisory committees are to:
recruit and recommend to the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice candidates for the magistracy (within parameters set by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), and candidates for membership of the advisory committee (and any subcommittees).
to consider the data gathered by the secretary/justices’ clerk as part of the annual judicial resource exercise and provide observations on the factual data, at the same time as the relevant bench chairmen and a representative of the Magistrates’ Association.
establish (if needed), and oversee the work of, sub-committees.
ensure that magistrates fulfil their undertaking to sit and complete any required training.
draw the attention of bench chairmen and justices’ clerks to magistrates sitting too little or too often, and take action accordingly.
investigate allegations of misconduct by magistrates and make recommendations to the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor in accordance with the Complaints (Magistrates) Rules; and
review decisions by Justices’ Training, Approvals, Authorisations and Appraisals Committee (JTAAAC) that a magistrate has failed to reach the required standard and to make any formal recommendation for removal to the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor in accordance with the Complaints (Magistrates) Rules.
Person Specification
Good inter-personal skills. Ability to participate in interviewing candidates for the magistracy. Experience of interviewing is an advantage but not essential. Good judge of character and ability: objectivity. Ability to articulate clear, well founded reason on the suitability or otherwise of candidates. Awareness of own prejudices and ability to set them aside. Discretion in handling confidential information. Understanding or willingness to acquire understanding of the needs of the bench. Willingness and ability to talk about the magistracy and to participate in recruitment events. Ability to work as a team member. Commitment dedication and enthusiasm. Willingness to undergo such training as may, from time to time be prescribed by the Lord Chancellor; and The Lord Chancellor will not appoint a person to serve on a Committee beyond their 70th birthday.
How to Apply
For an application form please email Ms Caroline Baldock, Legal Admin Team Leader, B&H-Advisory@justice.gov.uk. Tel: 01582 534245