The independent Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) was set up in 2006 — almost 20 years ago — with a remit to select candidates for judicial roles in England and Wales on merit after a fair and open process. A key change — included in the statute — was the appointment of a lay chair and five lay commissioners to oversee the JAC’s work. These lay members sit alongside professional and judicial members, but who are not a judge or qualified as a solicitor, barrister or fellow of CILEx themselves.
Appointed by open competition, our lay commissioners bring a broad range of experience to the table — from leadership and governance to recruitment, public service and community engagement. Their perspectives, combined with those of judicial and legal commissioners on our board, strengthen the quality and fairness of our decision-making.
As well as having lay commissioners, the JAC recruits a diverse team of lay panel members to review applications, interview candidates at a selection day, and provide the assessments that help commissioners decide who to recommend for judicial appointment.
A lay commissioner since 2019, Sue Hoyle, whose background is in arts leadership, recalls looking at the job advertisement. 'Initially, I didn’t think my experience would be relevant,' she says. 'But as I read more about the role, I saw how closely the JAC’s values — fairness, respect, professionalism, learning, and clarity and openness — aligned with my own. I’d spent years ensuring open, merit-based appointments in the cultural sector and beyond. It made me realise I might be able to contribute in a meaningful way.'
Barry Morgan, a former Archbishop of Wales, who joined the JAC Board in 2020, felt similarly.
'I was totally ignorant as to how judges were appointed, despite having close family members and friends in the legal profession. By chance, I came across an advert for a commissioner with special knowledge of Wales. Having worked in Wales for 45 years, I thought it might be interesting. I’d spent decades making appointments within the church – I felt some of that knowledge might be transferable.'
Both commissioners say they found a culture of mutual respect and genuine collaboration at the JAC.
'The diversity of perspectives on the board is one of its real strengths,' Sue says. 'I’ve never been made to feel naïve for asking questions. In fact, it’s often the "outsider" questions that spark useful reflection.'
Barry agrees. 'It’s important that the selection of judges doesn’t rest solely with lawyers. Gifted as they are, the process could become insular. Judges make decisions that affect all kinds of people, from all walks of life. Lay voices help ensure broader context and perspective.'
Throughout their respective terms, both commissioners have contributed significantly to the way the JAC assesses candidates. As chair of the JAC Advisory Group, Sue oversaw the inclusion of lay experts as members of that group, whose role is to review the selection materials used for competency-based recruitment. Barry drew on his experience of church governance to provide valuable insights into leadership and public accountability. He also chaired the Welsh Matters Committee, which considers all Welsh appointments, and tests language skills where Welsh is deemed essential. It also oversees questions about how the law and government in Wales is different to that of England in many respects, as a basic understanding of that difference is demanded of all who seek any kind of judicial role in Wales.
They’ve also been struck by the calibre of candidates and the rigour of the process.
'I’ve been privileged to be involved in appointments to the Court of Appeal,' Barry says. 'I’ve been immensely impressed by the intellectual ability of High Court judges and by how hard selection panels work to ensure fairness and transparency.'
Sue shares that view. 'I’ve come to understand just how exceptional judges need to be - not just in legal knowledge, but in judgement, leadership, and resilience. It’s been inspiring to witness up close.'
As both commissioners come to the end of their terms, we at the JAC want to thank them for their dedicated service — and emphasise just how vital lay members are to the JAC’s success. Whether it’s sitting on panels, reviewing assessment materials, or shaping policy, lay voices play an integral part in ensuring the JAC’s work is open, fair, and connected to the wider public, helping build a judiciary that better reflects the society it serves.
If you have experience in leadership, governance, recruitment or public service — and a passion for fairness – vacancies for lay commissioners or lay panel members are posted on GOV.UK. You don’t need legal expertise to play a vital role in shaping the future of the judiciary.
Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)
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