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I have also been subjected to the JCIO secret conduct investigation since 2015. constant reminders of sec 139 Constitutional Reform Act 2005, refusal to provide FoI information because judicial conduct is protected information.
The Magistrates Association do not support or represent their members, the Justice Clerk is part of the investigation team so cannot be trusted, the JCIO do not provide assistance. As a result magistrates who are subjected to a conduct investigation for spurious or incorrect allegations just resign rather than subject themselves as volunteers to months of anxiety and at times harassment. Sadly most magistrates will not become involved or support the accused even if they are aware of the situation. Having been suspended for over 18 months most colleagues think I just resigned and went away. I was investigated for giving a submission to the Justice Select Committee which was dropped because I had Parliamentary Privilege (very unhappy adviser who told the AC to proceed). Subsequently complained about the facilities in our main court room and tried whistleblowing regarding bullying and abuse of authority by a senior member of the bench management team, Further enquiry, suspended and its still going on.
I have had to use the anonymous option for this comment as I have no doubt the faceless JCIO investigators will be knocking on my door yet again.