New annual figures highlight progress while identifying areas needing further improvement
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) has welcomed the publication of the latest judicial diversity statistics, saying the figures demonstrate continued progress towards a more representative judiciary while highlighting areas where further work remains necessary.
The annual report, published by the Judicial Diversity Forum (JDF), brings together data on the diversity of the judiciary, judicial appointments and the legal professions. According to the JAC, the statistics are intended to provide evidence that helps identify barriers to judicial appointment and inform initiatives designed to improve representation across the judicial system.
The latest publication includes more detailed information than previous editions. It provides additional analysis of ethnicity, together with expanded data on disability and socio-economic background. For the first time, the accompanying statistics are also supported by an interactive dashboard designed to improve transparency and make it easier for users to compare data across previous reporting years.
The JAC said the statistics continue to demonstrate positive steps towards improving judicial diversity and will help inform future work to encourage applications from groups that remain underrepresented within the judiciary. The data forms part of the evidence base used by the Judicial Diversity Forum when developing and assessing initiatives aimed at broadening the range of candidates seeking judicial office.
For solicitors considering judicial appointment, the publication provides an updated picture of representation throughout the appointments process and across the judiciary. It also underlines the continued importance of diversity initiatives and outreach programmes intended to widen access to judicial careers while maintaining the principle of appointment on merit. The statistics may also help firms, representative bodies and prospective applicants understand where progress has been made and where participation gaps remain.
The Judicial Diversity Forum published its action plan in February 2025, setting out priorities and actions intended to drive judicial diversity. The Commission said the annual statistics will continue to inform that work. The JAC said the annual statistics will continue to play an important role in monitoring progress and shaping future policy and engagement activity.
Alongside the statistical report, the new dashboard has been introduced to make diversity data more accessible and to provide an alternative way for users to explore trends over time. The JAC said increasing transparency through improved access to information is intended to support understanding of the diversity of the judiciary and the judicial appointments process.