Diversity and Community Relations Judges (DCRJ): who we are and what we do
DCRJs are serving judicial office holders, appointed from across the courts and tribunal system.
DCRJs work in a voluntary capacity to engage with the communities we serve; providing information about the judiciary, the work we do and how we are appointed. We also have a remit to encourage legal professionals and law students to consider a career in the judiciary, with a particular focus on individuals from under-represented groups. Finally, we are available to assist judicial colleagues and/or act as role models on diversity/community relations issues.
In the outward looking element of our role, we aim to increase public confidence in the legal system by enhancing understanding and knowledge about what we do and who we are; the aim is to dispel myths about the judiciary.
The way in which each DCRJ fulfils their role is individual, however examples of community engagement include:
- visits to schools, colleges and universities to meet with students and share information about our work;
- Cardiff Employment Tribunal hosted a local primary school, giving children in year 5 an opportunity to visit the Tribunal and meet staff and Employment Judges for a Q&A session followed by a mini mock trial, in which students and teachers had roles to play;
- playing the role of the Judge in mooting /mock trial competitions organised by the Citizenship Foundation;
- meeting local community groups, such as a local Mosque.
As for our remit in encouraging others to consider a judicial career we have engaged in the following:
- attending a Law Society “meet the judges” evening with local solicitors;
- attended local FE colleges, meeting with CILEx and A-level students to participate in Q&A sessions;
- hosting work shadowing for those interested in judicial career (either via local professional associations or the national Ministry of Justice work shadowing scheme).
By sharing your story; your background and how you were appointed, you can raise awareness that there are multiple pathways to a judicial career.
Details of DCRJs based in Wales can be found at the following link:
www.judiciary.gov.uk
If you are interested in hosting a meeting or event and wish to enquire about the attendance of a DCRJ, please contact Jacqueline McLean of the Judicial Office on: Jacqueline.McLean@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk
EJ Sian Davies
Cardiff Employment Tribunal
1 December 2016
