The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (CTJ) has published a protocol to support legal professionals who wish to raise informal concerns about judicial behaviour.
The protocol formalises an existing route for reporting concerns and does not replace the formal complaints process, but is intended to give legal professionals greater clarity on how concerns can be raised and addressed.
The protocol is part of a package of measures to tackle bullying, harassment, discrimination and exclusionary behaviour. Other measures include a statement of expected behaviour setting clear standards and expectations, mandatory training for leadership judges on identifying and addressing exclusionary behaviours, and wider training to support judges in recognising and challenging such behaviour in all settings.
Reporting routes, advice and resources on bullying, harassment and discrimination are also being made more accessible for judges and legal professionals.
Lady Justice Whipple, lead judge for diversity and inclusion, leadership, development and wellbeing, said: “The judiciary is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and respect.
“While the majority of judicial office holders behave professionally and courteously, we take concerns about bullying, harassment and discrimination very seriously and are committed to providing clear, accessible routes for legal professionals working in our courts and tribunals to raise and resolve concerns about a judge’s behaviour.
“This protocol formalises and improves a process that has long existed – giving legal professionals clarity about how they can raise concerns informally.”
For more serious concerns, or where concerns remain after attempting informal resolution, formal complaints should be submitted to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.
