Last week’s judicial diversity statistics are a reminder of the work that must be done to make our judiciary more diverse. In parallel, we are facing a recruitment crisis in the judiciary, with morale, according to the most recent Judicial Satisfaction Survey, at an all-time low. This could, in the words of Lord Burnett of Maldon, cause “lasting damage” to Britain’s legal standing.
The reasons behind these issues are varied and complex. The 2017 Judicial Satisfaction Survey sheds light on many of the challenges: pay and pension issues, a lack of support, loss of respect for the office, the increased administrative burden – the list goes on. As a result, nearly half of senior judges would not recommend the job and are thinking of retiring early. Addressing these issues will require more funding and more support from government. Last month’s announcement of temporary pay increases for judges is a small step in the right direction.
