What we do - Appointments

The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission is responsible for making a wide range of recommendations for appointment up to, and including High Court Judge, as set out in the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. We are placed under a statutory duty to ensure appointments to judicial office are based solely on merit.

The Appointments Team administer each selection process on behalf of the Commissioners and provide training, advice and support to the Selection Committees undertaking each scheme (in the Commission, we refer to each vacancy process as a "scheme").

The Commission's role in the judicial appointments process begins when we receive a request from the Northern Ireland Court Service or on behalf of a tribunal outside the Northern Ireland Court Service.

The Commission then determines the best candidate(s) based on merit, using the processes described in How We Select and the competences and criteria relevant to that judicial office.

We recommend to the Lord Chancellor one candidate for each vacancy.

The eligibility qualifications/requirements for appointment to the various judicial offices that fall within the Commission's remit are normally set out in the governing legislation for the particular office and will appear in the relevant advertisement and associated scheme paperwork. The Commission may only recommend for appointment to judicial office those who meet the eligibility qualifications.

In addition to ensuring that candidates meet the eligibility qualifications, candidates will be assessed against the specific competences and criteria for appointment. Please note that the competences and criteria for appointment may vary, depending on the level and category of judicial office.

As part of this work, the Appointments Team are also responsible for:

• Developing and implementing strategic policies and practices in partnership with the Commissioners;
• Identifying and developing best practice procedures in partnership with the Commissioners;
• Liaison with sponsoring departments to plan for future schemes 

Where can I find more information about current vacancies?

You can access a list of current vacancies (click here) which contains details of all current schemes and a list of archived appointments and re-appointments. Each vacancy will also be advertised in the local press and through the relevant professional bodies. Our colleagues in the Diversity and Communications Team will explore the use of all available means of publication to ensure that the scheme is publicised to the maximum pool of potential candidates.

You can sign up for our email notification service (click here) which will alert you (by email) to recent appointments, events and publications.

You can also access our online Calendar (click here), which is updated regularly with events and seminars which NIJAC will be delivering to the legal profession and others.