New protocol formalises an informal process for raising concerns about judicial behaviour
A new protocol has been introduced to provide legal professionals with a clearer route for raising informal concerns about the behaviour of judges, as part of wider efforts to address bullying, harassment, discrimination and exclusionary conduct across the courts and tribunals.
The protocol, published by the judiciary on 8 July 2026, formalises an approach that has already been used in practice. It is intended to give legal professionals greater certainty about how concerns can be raised and resolved informally where appropriate. According to the judiciary, this route is designed for less serious issues that may be capable of early and proportionate resolution.
The guidance does not replace the existing formal complaints process. The judiciary states that more serious allegations, or concerns that remain unresolved after an attempt at informal resolution, should continue to be referred to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO), which is responsible for investigating formal complaints against judicial office holders.
The new protocol forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at improving professional standards and workplace culture within the justice system. These measures include a statement setting out expected standards of behaviour, mandatory training for leadership judges on identifying and addressing exclusionary behaviours, and wider training to help judges recognise and challenge inappropriate conduct in all professional settings. The package also seeks to improve access to reporting routes, advice and support for both judges and legal professionals.
Alongside the protocol, a joint statement has been issued by the Bar Council’s Commissioner for Conduct, the Lady Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals. The statement outlines a shared commitment to tackling bullying, harassment, discrimination and exclusionary behaviour within courts and tribunals while respecting the constitutional separation between the Bar and the Judiciary.
The judiciary said the measures have been informed by evidence gathered through the Judicial Attitude Survey, the Bar Council’s Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination at the Bar 2023 report, and the Independent Review of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment at the Bar 2025, led by Baroness Harriet Harman.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Lady Justice Whipple, Lead Judge for Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Development and Wellbeing, said the judiciary remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness and respect. She added that while most judicial office holders behave professionally and courteously, concerns about bullying, harassment and discrimination are taken seriously. The protocol, she said, provides legal professionals with greater clarity on how informal concerns about a judge’s behaviour can be raised.