Law chief says diversity is a ‘necessity’
THE LORD Chief Justice has said a diverse judiciary is a “necessity” and not an “optional extra”.
Lord Burnett of Maldon said all concerned must continue to work to achieve a judiciary that is “more closely representative of society in terms of both gender and ethnicity”. Figures for 2018 show 29 per cent of court judges and 46 per cent of tribunal judges were female – while seven per cent of court judges and 11 per cent of tribunal judges were black, Asian and minority ethnic.
In a speech yesterday, the Lord Chief Justice, who is head of the judiciary in England and Wales, noted that the picture had improved compared with 10 years ago. He said: “Change is happening. That is a matter for quiet satisfaction because it has come about as a result of the efforts of very many people; but it is not a matter for complacency.”
Progress made in achieving a diverse judiciary at the most senior levels has been slower than elsewhere, Lord Burnett said.
He added: “A diverse judiciary is not an optional extra. It is a necessity and one which I, as Lord Chief Justice, along with the judiciary as a whole are working hard to achieve.”
He also highlighted a lack of social diversity at the top of the legal profession, which, he said “appears to be over populated, particularly at the uppers reaches, with people from economically privileged backgrounds”.
Referring to reports of sexism faced by some women at the criminal Bar, he said: “I have little doubt that this is a significant feature which needs further investigation and consideration, both by the professions and the judiciary.”