News archives
2010
05 February 2010
Fee Paid Employment Judge, Employment Tribunal
[Application stage closed 25 February 2010]
The Judicial Appointments Commission is inviting applications for appointment as a fee paid Judge of the Employment Tribunal.
There are 51 positions available across England and Wales. Successful candidates will be expected to sit for a minimum of 30 days a year.
You will deal with disputes between employers and employees, including unfair dismissal, breach of contract, unlawful deductions and public interest disclosure.
You will be supported in the role by a comprehensive training programme, and benefit from a salaried Employment Judge as your mentor.
- Fee: £452 per day
- Reference: 00441
- Website: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
- The closing date for applications is noon on 25 February 2010.
Example role-play film for candidates now online
From today you can see an online example of a role-play exercise of the type you might face during our selection exercises for some posts such as Recorder or Deputy District Judge.
Candidates who don't spend their working lives in court say it has helped to spend time watching or workshadowing a judge. This film is another tool to help demystify the process and help you to prepare.
The "candidate" in this example is played by an actor, in the role of a Recorder sitting at the fictitious Boltchester County Court in November 2008. Professional actors play the other main roles, as they will do in a real selection exercise.
To view the film, and for full details of how the role play is used as part of our assessment, visit our website using the link below.
- Website: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
07 January 2010
Vacancy: Salaried Immigration Judges
[Application stage closed 28 January 2010]
If you have been a solicitor, barrister, advocate or Fellow of ILEX for at least five years, or you have other appropriate experience in asylum and immigration matters, you could be eligible to become a salaried Immigration Judge.
The Judicial Appointments Commission is looking for up to 21 new Judges to join the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal at a variety of locations across England and Wales.
Either presiding alone or sitting on a panel with fellow Judges and non-legal members, you will prepare for and hear appeals against decisions made by the Home Secretary and his officials in asylum, immigration and nationality matters. The posts will require a high level of skill and experience in dealing with cases of legal and factual complexity while ensuring high standards of case management. In addition you will also be expected to promote a collegiate environment across the tribunal.
Salaried part-time working is available. See the information pack for details of possible working arrangements.
- Number of Vacancies: up to 21
- Locations: throughout England and Wales
- Salary: £102,921 (plus £4,000 London allowance)
- Reference: 00459
- Website: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
Applications close: noon on 28 January 2010
2009
03 December 2009
Vacancy – Taxing Masters of the Senior Courts (known as Costs Judges)
[Application stage closed 7 January 2010]
The Judicial Appointments Commission is inviting applications from legally qualified candidates suitable for appointment as a Taxing Master of the Senior Courts, also known as a Costs Judge. In this role, based in Central London, you will be responsible for assessing legal costs between the parties and between solicitor and client in order to determine a fair valuation for the services rendered. You will also be required to decide upon complex points of law and principle in relation to costs.
- Number of Vacancies: 2
- Locations: Central London (EC4)
- Salary: £102,921 (plus £4,000 London allowance)
- Reference: 00449
- Website: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
Application deadline: Noon, 7 January 2010.
26 November 2009
Vacancy – Upper Tribunal, Asylum and Immigration, Fee Paid Deputy Judge
[Application stage closed 17 December 2009]
The Judicial Appointments Commission is looking for 40 Deputy Judges to sit in a fee paid capacity in the Upper Tribunal and deal with work arising from the right of appeal on asylum and immigration cases from the First-tier Tribunal. Once again, I would appreciate your assistance in circulating this message to your members and any other interested parties.
- Number of Vacancies: 40
- Locations: Various locations
- Fee: Approx £583 per day (please note the fee does not apply to existing salaried Judges)
- Reference: 00457
- Website: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
Application deadline: noon 17 December 2009. Please note that late applications will only be accepted in exceptional cases.
03 November 2009
Lord Chancellor Appointments to the Tribunal Procedure Committee
The Lord Chancellor is looking to recruit 3 members to the Tribunal Procedure Committee. These are voluntary roles which will see you contributing to the rules governing practice and procedure in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals.
- Please see below for full details and an application form.
- Complete Application Pack
(Adobe PDF file size 100kb) - Application Form Cover Note
(Word file size 92kb) - Application Form Part 1 (Word file size 46kb)
- Application Form Part 2 (Word file size 82kb)
03 November 2009
Tribunals Service to pilot evening sessions in Employment Tribunals
Today (2 November) marks the start of a new six month initiative which will see some Employment Tribunal claims being heard during early evening sessions.
During the pilot scheme some of the more straight–forward hearings will take place just outside normal 'business hours', from around 6 to 8pm, for between one and two evenings a week.
Claims which need to be heard before a judge but do not require a tribunal panel or a full day's hearing, for example wages claims, will be scheduled for the early evening slots. The arrangement for hearing more complex tribunal cases during the day will continue as before.
- View the full TS Press Notice (Adobe PDF file size 154kb)
20 October 2009
Tribunals Service Customer Satisfaction Survey
To allow us to gauge and monitor levels of customer satisfaction with the administration of Tribunal cases, FDS International Ltd have been contracted to conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey on behalf of the Tribunals Service. The results of the survey will be important in informing and shaping the development of our policies and indeed the organisation.
The survey will focus on the administration of cases, not the outcome of their case nor the decision of the judiciary. The survey, which began in 2007, will be carried out at intervals until April 2010. The results will, in the first instance, allow us to develop a Key Performance Indicator for customer satisfaction and thereafter monitor performance against that indicator.
Customers who are contacted by FDS about this survey should be assured that under the Data Protection Act 1998, the Tribunals Service has put in place an agreement with FDS which allows them to process our data and write to customers on our behalf.
Eileen Grady, Customer Insight Manager, acts for the Tribunals Service in the management of this survey.
07 October 2009
Scottish Employment Tribunal President appointed
The Lord President of the Court of Session has appointed Mrs Shona Simon as President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland)
- View the full TS Press Notice (Adobe PDF file size 234kb)
01 October 2009
Judicial Appointments Commission Vacancy
Deputy District Judge (Civil) [Application stage closed 22 October 2009]
Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career?
Sitting as a Deputy District Judge for a minimum of 15 days a year allows you to experience judicial life whilst remaining in practice.
If you would like to play a key role in the delivery of justice in the County Courts, then visit our website to see the five qualities that we have identified make a good Judge. If you possess them, and are eligible, then why not apply?
Number of Vacancies: 193
Locations: Various locations in England and Wales
Salary: £468 per day
Reference: 00435
Closing date for applications: 22 October 2009
Welsh language is essential for four positions. A Welsh version of this advert, the application form and all supporting documents will be available on our website.
The independent Judicial Appointments Commission selects candidates for judicial office. It does so on merit, through open and fair competition, from the widest range of eligible candidates.
You can obtain an application form and information pack, including full eligibility criteria, on our website www.judicialappointments.gov.uk or by telephoning 020 3334 0123.
30 September 2009
Employment Tribunal and EAT statistics published
Official statistics for 2008-2009 have been published today.
View the Employment Tribunal and EAT statistics for 2008/09 (Adobe PDF file size 70kb)
24 September 2009
PEARSON BUILDING has reopened
The Pearson Building has reopened and is back to normal operating hours
22 September 2009
FIRE AT PEARSON BUILDING updated at 16:30
We have been advised that staff will be allowed to return to work at the Pearson Building on Wednesday 23rd September.
Due to the disruption on Tuesday 22nd September it is expected that there will be a high volume of telephone enquiries. It is advisable to only contact the office on Wednesday 23rd September with urgent queries. Any other enquiries can be made as usual from Thursday 24th September onwards.
FIRE AT PEARSON BUILDING
There has been a major fire in the vicinity of the Pearson Building, Tribunals Service, Nottingham during the early hours of Tuesday 22nd September 2009
As at 1015 on Tuesday morning the emergency services are still on site and assessing the impact of the damage. The Pearson Building and others in the area are presently cordoned off. We have been advised that staff are not permitted to enter the Pearson Building today and will therefore be unable to answer telephone enquiries. We are making efforts to have a message placed on our telephone-lines at present but this may not be possible due to potential damage from the fire.
This situation is clearly very changeable but it is understood that staff are unlikely to be allowed back into the building tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd September 2009. Contingency arrangements are being urgently investigated. Further updates to this message will be added as the situation becomes clearer.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
16 September 2009
Senior President's Assignment Policy
This document is made under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, Schedule 4, paragraph 13. It replaces the earlier policy statement in relation to the First–Tier Tribunal Tax Chamber.
View the full document (Adobe PDF file size 75kb)
10 September 2009
Judicial Appointments Commission Vacancy
Judge of the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (HESC)
The HESC Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal includes the jurisdictions of Special Educational Needs and Disability, Care Standards and Mental Health. From early 2010, the Family Health Services Appeal Authority will also join the Chamber.
You will hear cases relating to special educational needs, disability, care standards and family health services appeals. There may be opportunities for cross jurisdictional sittings in the future. The work is varied and challenging, relating to the needs of children, parents, professionals, service providers, users and the public.
In addition to judicial duties, you will also assist in the development of best practice guidance, training programmes and appraisal for the many fee paid judges and specialised non-legal members of the Chamber. Therefore, you will need to demonstrate the required qualities and abilities including leadership and management.
These are salaried posts, one of which is available for part-time working.
Number of Vacancies: 4
Locations: 2 in London and 2 in Manchester
Salary: £102,921
Reference: 00433
Closing date for applications: 1 October 2009
More information www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
01 September 2009
Tribunal reforms continue with transfer of jurisdictions into new General Regulatory Chamber.
The GRC is up and running as the jurisdictions of the former Charity, Estate Agent Appeals and Consumer Credit Appeals tribunals have transferred across.
Webpages on this site have been updated to reflect the introduction of the General Regulatory Chamber. New information is available for those jurisdictions that moved into the GRC on 1 September (Charity; Consumer Credit; Estate Agents and Transport). Please see the new GRC page for links to these updated pages.
- View the full TS Press Notice (Adobe PDF file size 36kb))
01 September 2009
TCE Act – public consultations
TCE Act – public consultations on the Pensions Regulatory Tribunal and Financial Services and Markets Appeals Tribunal launched.
- View the TCE Act – public consultations
10 August 2009
Interested in becoming an Employment Tribunal Member?
Applications are being sought from those interested in becoming Employment Tribunal Members. Information on the roles and how to apply is at Employment Tribunal Members. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 18th September 2009.
30 July 2009
Third Implementation Review
On 10th July, the Senior President published his Third Implementation Review.
View the Third Implementation Review here Third Implementation Review
21 July 2009
Interested in AIT changes? Stakeholder meetings in August
The AIT is due to transfer into the unified tribunal structure in early 2010. The Tribunal Procedure Committee is consulting on changes required to Tribunal Procedure Rules and events will be held in August as part of the consultation. The events will also cover how AIT will transfer into the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, and allow interested parties to discuss the changes. Stakeholders are invited to register their interest
The events will take place as follows:
- 3rd August – Manchester; Civil Justice Centre, 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester
- 4th August – Glasgow; Novotel Glasgow Centre, 181 Pitt Street, Glasgow
- 6th August – London; Hotel Russell, 1 - 8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London
Topics covered will include the procedure Rules for the Upper Tribunal; rules for immigration and asylum appeals in the First–tier tribunal, and how these interact with the Upper Tribunal rules; legal aid arrangements following AIT moving into the new tribunals; measures in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill on immigration and asylum judicial reviews; and other associated work being undertaken.
To register your interest, contact us by 29 July:
Email: Emma.Martin@tribunals.gsi.gov.uk
Ph: 0161 234 2026
The transfer of the AIT is scheduled for early 2010, pending parliamentary approval. The transfer enables us to simplify and streamline the immigration appeals process. Appellants will not see any change to their initial appeal rights except that these will now be to the First-tier Tribunal rather than to the AIT. The key change will come with the new onward appeals process - appeals against a First-tier Tribunal decision will be to the Upper Tribunal. This replaces the current review and reconsideration process, where applications for review can be made to the higher courts.
View the consultation documents here http://www.tribunals.gov.uk/Tribunals/Rules/tribunalprocedurecommittee.htm
16 July 2009
Tribunals Service publishes 08/09 Annual Report
Latest performance figures show that productivity and efficiency levels continue to improve – despite a backdrop of unexpected and increasing workloads across many jurisdictions.
- Tribunals Service publishes 08/09 Annual Report (Adobe PDF file size 4mb)
16 July 2009
Written Ministerial Statement on the Implementation of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act (TCE) 2007
The Government has today laid a 'Written Ministerial Statement' before Parliament concerning the implementation of the TCE Act. As part of that statement the Government has announced that it has published the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) Report on Tribunals' Judiciary Remuneration together with its own response to the specific recommendations. Copies of the supporting documents can be found below:
- Written Ministerial Statement laid before parliament on 16 July 2009 (Adobe PDF file size 11kb)
- Review Body on Senior Salaries Report No.66: Review of Tribunals' Judiciary Remuneration 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 377kb)
- The Government's Response to the SSRB Recommendations (Adobe PDF file size 67kb)
10 July 2009
Tribunals Service publishes 08/09 Annual Report
Latest performance figures show that productivity and efficiency levels continue to improve – despite a backdrop of unexpected and increasing workloads across many jurisdictions.
- Tribunals Service publishes 08/09 Annual Report (Adobe PDF file size 4mb)
01 July 2009
Consultation launched on changes to Upper Tribunal Rules
Tribunals Procedure Committee (TPC), which is responsible for the First-tier and Upper Tribunal rules, has launched a new consultation today inviting stakeholders´ views on proposed changes to rules which apply to the Upper Tribunal.
- Consultation launched on changes to Upper Tribunal rules (Adobe PDF file size 9kb)
- Full consultation pack (Adobe PDF file size 1.21mb)
- Consultation Questions (Word file size 46kb)
10 June 2009
Tribunal Judicial Training and Education Prospectus 2009/10-2010/11
The Prospectus aims to cover an extended 18 month period and is being published now to ensure that Chamber and Tribunal heads (and training Judges) know what is available not only in the forthcoming year but also so that they can incorporate plans to include any JSB Courses within training budget bids for the year 2010/2011.
Please visit the Judicial Studies Board Website for more information http://www.jsboard.co.uk/tribunals/index.htm
5 June 2009
Vacancy for: Chairman of Competition Appeal Tribunal
[Application stage closed 2 July 2009]
The Competition Appeal Tribunal seeks an additional Chairman to hear appeal, judicial review and damages cases involving competition and telecommunications law.
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Location: London
- Salary: £600 per day
- Reference: 00422
Closing date for applications: 2 July 2009
Please visit the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website for more information http://www.judicialappointments.gov.uk
2 June 2009
Lands Tribunal replaced by specialist chamber within two-tier tribunal structure
The Lands Tribunal was officially abolished today (1 June) and its appeal jurisdictions transferred into a new specialist chamber in the Upper Tribunal. The Chamber President is George Bartlett QC, head of the former Lands Tribunal.
View the full TS Press Notice (Adobe PDF file size 29kb)
19 May 2009
Enforcement of Employment Tribunal Awards in England & Wales
In 2008 the Ministry of Justice commissioned independent research to assess the proportion of Employment Tribunal awards that were honoured, and to assess and understand the factors that may have an impact on the likelihood of a claimant not being paid their award by the employer.
The research report has been published today and is available on the Ministry of Justice website.
View the full report http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/employment-tribunal-awards.htm
11 May 2009
The consultation response paper on the closure of Telford hearing centre is published.
The public consultation exercise on the proposed closure of Telford hearing centre ended on 8 February. A total of ten responses to the proposal were received. The Tribunals Service has published a paper outlining its response to the points raised by the participants in the consultation and its final plans for the future of the hearing centre.
View the full TS response paper (Adobe PDF file size 87kb)
8 May 2009
Asylum and immigration appeals to transfer into new two-tier structure
The Government has today announced that the work of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will transfer into the unified tribunals structure. The move was confirmed in the government´s response to the consultation ´Immigration appeals, fair decisions; faster justice".
The current AIT will be replaced by specialist asylum and immigration chambers in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals. Justice Minister Bridget Prentice welcomed today´s announcement, stating that: "The move is designed to ensure that we have a quicker, more streamlined efficient and effective process, with clear access to justice for those people who wish to make appeals."
The transfer of the AIT fits in with the wider reforms designed to simplify, improve and speed up the appeals process across the tribunal system. These include the establishment of the Tribunals Service and the creation of the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal as a unified overarching two-tier structure.
- View the full TS Press Notice (Adobe PDF file size 10kb)
- View the Government´s consultation response document (Adobe PDF file size 224kb)
23 April 2009
Business Plan for 2009-10 Published
Kevin Sadler highlights the Tribunals Service's priorities for the coming year.
News Release (Adobe PDF file size 15kb)
Business Plan 2009 - 10 (Adobe PDF file size 553kb)
06 April 2009
Employment Tribunals - New Dispute Resolution Framework
Today the Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004 have been repealed and replaced by a new framework based on the provisions of the Employment Act 2008. The new regime provides the framework for a simplified system and should make things easier for potential tribunal users.
The Employment Tribunal website provides further information and guidance for Employment Tribunal users
Employment Tribunal
http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk
02 April 2009
New Tax Appeals Chambers launched
Taxpayers appealing against the decisions made by Her Majesty's Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) will now be taking their disputes to the brand new two–tier tribunal system.
New tax appeals tribunals launched (Adobe PDF file size 32kb)
01 April 2009
First Tier Tax Chamber and Upper Tribunal Finance and Tax Chamber Go Live today
The new first tier chamber brings together four previously separate tax tribunals:
- General Commissioners of Income Tax (CGIT)
- VAT and Duties Tribunal
- Special Commissioners of Income Tax Tribunal
- Section 704/706 Tribunal
Tax reform also creates a right of appeal to the Upper Tribunal where the new Finance and Tax Chamber has been set up to sit alongside the existing Administrative Appeals Chamber.
You can find more information by using the following links
- First Tier
http://www.tribunals.gov.uk/tax/ - Upper Tier
http://www.tribunals.gov.uk/financeandtax/
26 March 2009
Vacancy for Judicial Office – Disability Qualified Tribunal Members
[Application stage closed 15 April 2009]
The independent Judicial Appointments Commission is seeking people with knowledge of disability issues to sit as members in the Social Entitlement Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal. You do not need to be legally qualified. Instead, you will be experienced in dealing with the physical or mental needs of disabled people, either because you deal with them in a professional or voluntary capacity, or because you are yourself disabled.
In conjunction with the other Tribunal members, you will be deciding appeals by considering facts, applying the relevant law to them and contributing to the provision of a reasoned written judgement by the Tribunal Judge. You will normally be offered a minimum of 15 working days per year.
- Number of Vacancies: 34
- Reference: 00420
- Closing date for applications: 15 April 2009
Please visit the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website for more information http://www.judicialappointments.gov.uk/
26 March 2009
FIRE AT FIELD HOUSE
Following the fire at Field House, Breams Buildings, the building is likely to be out of commission for a considerable time.
AIT hearings due to be held there on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March will now take place in our Taylor House Hearing Centre, Rosebery Avenue, London.
Hearings for week commencing 30th March will be heard in other venues. All parties have been notified of new venues for their cases.
Any queries about Asylum and Immigration cases should be directed to Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 0877.
For other tribunal jurisdictions whose cases were due to be heard at Field House, the Tribunals Service are making separate arrangements. The parties involved are being contacted directly about these. Any enquiries should be made to the Tribunals Service office with whom parties have been dealing.
20 March 2009
FIRE AT FIELD HOUSE
Following the fire at Field House, we now understand that the building is likely to be out of commission for a considerable time.
Therefore, all Asylum and Immigration cases listed for hearings there from Monday 23 March through to Wednesday 25 March have been postponed.
AIT Hearings for Thursday 26th and Friday 27th will take place in our Taylor House Hearing Centre, Rosebery Avenue, London. Hearings for week commencing 30th March will be heard in other venues. All parties will be notified of new venues for their cases as soon as possible.
Any queries about Asylum and Immigration cases should be directed to Customer Service Centre on 0845 600 0877.
Separate arrangements are being made for other tribunal jurisdictions whose cases are due to be heard at Field House and the Tribunals Service will contact the parties involved directly about these.
19 March 2009
Number of equal pay cases increases ten-fold over five years
Figures released by the Tribunals Service today show there has been a significant increase in the number of equal pay claims going to Employment Tribunals.
06 March 2009
Stakeholder events for the proposed General Regulatory Chamber
The Tribunal Procedure Committee is currently consulting on draft procedure rules for the proposed General Regulatory Chamber (GRC) of the First–tier Tribunal.
As part of this process, stakeholders are invited to attend awareness events explaining the proposed rules. This will be an opportunity to discuss the rules and ask questions to members of the Tribunals Procedure Committee and other judiciary.
Register your interest by 11 March – visit the GRC consultation page for more information
GRC consultation page
27 February 2009
Tribunal Judges – Social Enitltment Chamber
[Application stage closed 19 March 2009]
The Judicial Appointments Commission is now inviting applications for the posts of Salaried Judge of the First–tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber). The closing date for applications is 19 March 2009.
Please visit the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website for more information
Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website
13 February 2009
Consultation begins on the Tribunals Service General Regulatory Chamber
The Tribunal Procedure Committee has today commenced consultation on draft procedure rules for the proposed General Regulatory Chamber (GRC) of the First–tier Tribunal.
The GRC is scheduled to commence in September 2009, subject to parliamentary approval. A range of tribunal jurisdictions that hear regulatory appeals will transfer into it between September to January 2010. Senior President Lord Justice Carnwath said "Bringing these individual tribunals under the one GRC umbrella will ensure a consistent approach to hearing appeals on regulatory issues. The establishment of the GRC will enable current best practice in the respective tribunals to be shared and continued".
The establishment of the GRC is part of a wider programme of tribunal reform that began on 3 November with the commencement of the unified First-tier and Upper Tribunals.
Consultation on the Tribunals Service General Regulatory Chamber
Changes in the Tribunals Service
05 February 2009
Tribunal Procedure Committee
Revised rules for the Tax Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal and an Amendment to the Upper Tribunal have been produced, following the Tribunal Procedure Committee's consideration of responses to a consultation on earlier drafts.
Subject to Parliamentary and Lord Chancellor's approval, these are the final versions of the rules.
A formal response to the consultation on the draft Rules will be published in the near future.
View rules
Tribunal Procedure (First–tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009 (Adobe PDF file size 163kb)
Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2009 (Adobe PDF file size kb)
26 January 2009
New Chief Executive of Tribunals Service
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has appointed Kevin Sadler as Chief Executive of the Tribunals Service.
New Chief Executive (Adobe PDF file size 32kb)
08 January 2009
Vacancy for Judicial Office – Applications are invited for two new Chamber Presidents
[Application stage closed 29 January 2009]
Chamber Presidents for Tribunals. An opportunity to lead.
Tribunals play a vital role in the administration of justice and they are currently undergoing radical restructuring. The Judicial Appointments Commission is seeking two new Presidents for the following chambers:
- War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation (First–tier Tribunal)
- Lands (Upper Tribunal).
The roles would suit legal practitioners or serving judges in tribunals or courts who can demonstrate strong leadership and management skills. These are full–time pensionable posts offering six–figure salaries (currently under review).
- Number of Vacancies: 2
- Reference: 00403
- Closing date for applications: 29 January 2009
Please visit the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) website for more information http://www.judicialappointments.gov.uk/
2008
3 November 2008
New Two Tier Tribunal System Launched Today
Today sees the biggest change in half a century to tribunals that decide more than 500,000 cases a year. But the new senior judge promises users that they will 'continue to experience a service that is speedy, inexpensive and accessible'.
- New Two Tier Tribunal System Launched Today (Adobe PDF file size 24kb)
31 October 2008
Senior President of Tribunals publishes his second TCE Act implementation review
"In June 2008 I published my First Implementation Review ("the First Review") , dealing with the implementation of the tribunals provisions of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 ("TCEA"). At that time the target date for the first phase of implementation was 3 November 2008 ("T1-day"), which I described as a very significant milestone in the reform of justice in the United Kingdom. That paper described the main features of the new system, including the role and powers of the Senior President, the proposed arrangements for judicial leadership and governance arrangements, and relationships with the court judiciary and other important organisations. I proposed to issue a further review paper in the Autumn, including further detail on the workings of the Upper Tribunal. This review supplements the First Review, to which reference should continue to be made."
- Senior President of Tribunals – Second Implementation Review – October 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 252kb)
16 October 2008
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act Part 1 – Statutory Instruments laid in Parliament
The Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act brings together a number of tribunals under a new unified tribunal system. With the creation of two new tribunals (the First-tier and the Upper Tribunal) the new structure provides the basis for significant service improvements for appellants.
Ahead of the commencement of the new First-tier and Upper Tribunals, a number of Statutory Instruments (SIs) were laid in Parliament on 15 October. The SIs establish the following Chambers within the First–tier Tribunal:
- Social Entitlement Chamber (incorporating the existing SSCSA, CICAP and AST jurisdictions);
- Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (incorporating the existing MHRT, SENDIST and most of the CST jurisdictions) and
- War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber (into which the jurisdiction of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal (England & Wales) will be transferred).
Within the Upper Tribunal, the SIs establish the Administrative Appeals Chamber, which will hear onward appeals on points of law from the First-tier Chambers, as well as onward appeals from MHRT Wales, SENT Wales, PAT (Scotland), and in some instances PAT (Northern Ireland).
The full list of SIs laid on 15 October will shortly be available at the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Procedure Rules for each of the Chambers have been made by the Tribunal Procedure Committee.
Commencement of the new Tribunals and Chambers is subject to Parliamentary approval of the "Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order". Pending approval, this will come into effect on 3 November 2008. This SI was approved by the House of Commons on 25 June, and is listed for debate in the House of Lords on 23 October.
24 September 2008
Tribunals Service Customer Satisfaction Survey
To allow us to gauge and monitor levels of customer satisfaction with the administration of Tribunal cases, FDS International Ltd have been contracted to conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey on behalf of the Tribunals Service. The results of the survey will be important in informing and shaping the development of our policies and indeed the organisation.
The survey will focus on the administration of cases, not the outcome of their case nor the decision of the judiciary. The survey will be carried out at intervals throughout 2007, 2008 & 2009. The results will, in the first instance, allow us to develop a Key Performance Indicator for customer satisfaction and thereafter monitor performance against that indicator.
If Customers raise questions about providing information to FDS they should be reassured that under the Data Protection Act 1998, the Tribunals Service has put in place an agreement with FDS allowing them to process this data on our behalf.
21 August 2008
Tribunal Procedure Committee
Revised drafts (dated 19 August 2008) of rules for the Social Entitlement Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal, the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal; and the Upper Tribunal have been produced, following the Tribunal Procedure Committee´s consideration of responses to a consultation on earlier drafts.
Subject to minor drafting changes, these are the versions of the rules that the Committee intends to make and submit to the Lord Chancellor in October.
21 August 2008
Immigration appeals: Fair decisions, faster justice
Consultation on the proposed reforms to the immigration appeals system is now available on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website. Consultation ends on 16th October.
20 August 2008
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007: Consultation on Tribunal Procedure Rules
The Tribunal Procedure Committee has commenced consultation on rules for the First–Tier Tax Chamber. The rules and an accompanying note from Mark Rowland on behalf of the Honourable Mr Justice Elias, Chair of the Committee are attached. The procedural rules support and enable unification of existing tax tribunal processes for the new Tax Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal. The parallel consultation on how the draft rules for the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal should be amended for tax is also on this website. This Consultation closes on 12 November 2008.
- Consultation Note: First–Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 15kb)
- Draft First–Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 149kb)
The Tribunal Procedure Committee has commenced consultation on how the draft rules for the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal should be amended for tax. The rules and an accompanying note from Mark Rowland on behalf of the Honourable Mr Justice Elias, Chair of the Committee are attached. The procedural rules have not been developed with tax input, and the consultation asks what should be included for tax and what should be taken out as not appropriate for tax. The parallel consultation on rules for the First-tier Tax Chamber is also on this website. The Consultation closes on 12 November 2008.
- Consultation Note: Upper Tribunal Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 8kb)
- Draft Upper Tribunal Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 192kb)
19 August 2008
Consultation on the draft Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales Rules 2008
The draft Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales Rules 2008 is now available. Published on 19 August 2008, this consultation will end on 29 September 2008.
- Consultation on the draft Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 43kb)
- The (draft) Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 188kb)
22 July 2008
Social Security and Child Support Appeals (SSCSA) Presidents Report is now available
Report by the President of Appeal Tribunals on the standards of decision–making by the Secretary of State.
- Social Security and Child Support Appeals (SSCSA) Presidents Report, English
- Social Security and Child Support Appeals (SSCSA) Presidents Report, Welsh
17 July 2008
Tribunals Service continues to deliver improved Access to Justice
The Tribunals Service is delivering on its promise to improve access to justice for users, its annual report reveals today.
- Tribunals Service continues to deliver improved Access to Justice (Adobe PDF file size 35kb)
17 July 2008
DVD Guide to Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal hearings launched
A new pilot DVD has been launched to ensure people are fully informed about what to expect at a Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panels (CICAP) hearing.
- DVD Guide to Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal hearings launched (Adobe PDF file size 34kb)
1 July 2008
Ministry of Justice – Requesting information
The Ministry of Justice sets out in our information charter the standards that you can expect from us when we request or hold personal information about you; how you can get access to your personal data; and what you can do if you think those standards are not being met.
30 June 2008
Senior President publishes his first implementation review on Part 1 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act (TCE) 2007
The Senior President has published his first implementation review which looks forward, from a judicial perspective, to implementing the tribunal reforms in the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. On 3rd November, provided Parliament approve the legislation required, the new First–tier and Upper Tribunals will come into operation. The review includes his proposals for judicial leadership and organisation in the new tribunals, titles for the new chambers and non–statutory leadership roles as well as information about how the tribunals´ judiciary are supported by the Tribunals Service administration, the relationship with other external groups such as the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council; Judicial Appointments Commission and User Groups and his approach to the Senior President´s annual report.
- Senior President of Tribunals first implementation review June 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 70kb)
- Annexes (Adobe PDF file size 93kb)
- Annex G (Revised) (Adobe PDF file size 45kb)
3 June 2008
Justice Minister praises the work of staff at Sutton Tribunal
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice visited the Social Security and Child Support Appeals (SSCSA) Tribunal in Sutton today.
This visit follows a recent announcement about the future transformation of the tribunals system designed to speed up justice.
- Justice Minister praises the work of staff at Sutton Tribunal (Adobe PDF file size 26kb)
2 June 2008
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007: Consultation on Tribunal Procedure Rules
The Tribunal Procedure Committee have commenced consultation on rules for the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal. The rules and an accompanying note from Mark Rowland on behalf of the Honourable Mr Justice Elias, Chair of the Committee are attached. This is the third of three concurrent consultations on the proposed new procedure rules for chambers that will be established following implementation of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The consultations on the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber and Social Entitlement Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal are also on this website. The Consultation closes on 11 July 2008'.
- The Upper Tribunal Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 135kb)
- Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 28kb)
30 May 2008
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007: Consultation on Tribunal Procedure Rules
The Tribunal Procedure Committee have commenced consultation on rules for the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal. The rules and an accompanying note from Mark Rowland on behalf of the Honourable Mr Justice Elias, Chair of the Committee are attached. This is the second of the three concurrent consultations on the proposed new procedure rules for chambers that will be established following implementation of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The consultation covers the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal. The first consultation is also available on this website and covers the Social Entitlement Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal. The third consultation on the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal will commence shortly. The Consultation closes on 11 July 2008.
- First–Tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 135kb)
- Tribunal Procedure Committee – First–tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 135kb)
28 May 2008
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007: Consultation on Tribunal Procedure Rules
The Tribunal Procedure Committee have commenced consultation on rules for the Social Entitlement Chamber of the First–tier Tribunal. The rules and an accompanying note from the Honourable Mr Justice Elias, Chair of the Committee are available to view below. The consultation closes on 11th July 2008.
- First–Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 240kb)
- Tribunal Procedure Committee – First–tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008 (Adobe PDF file size 135kb)
22 May 2008
Countdown to Two Tier Tribunal System
A radical shake-up of the tribunals system was unveiled by the Government today.
Individual tribunal jurisdictions doing similar work will be brought together into a radically simplified two tier tribunals system - consisting of a First Tier and Upper Tribunal that goes live on 3 November 2008.
- Countdown to Two Tier Tribunal System Launched (Adobe PDF file size 97kb)
19 May 2008
Transforming Tribunals, Implementing Part 1 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act
This consultation set out the government's plans for implementing part 1 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The consultation paper explained how the tribunals system will be organised and supported and asked for your views on the way ahead.
7 April 2008
Consumer Credit Appeals Tribunals starts operating
A newly created tribunal, set up to ensure credit businesses have a more independent route of appeal against decisions by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), starts work today, administered by the Tribunals Service.
- Licence to lend: Consumer Credit Appeals Tribunals (Adobe PDF file size 31kb)
2 April 2008
The Tribunals Service Business Plan for 2008-09
The Business plan sets out the Tribunals Service priorities and objects for 2008-09.
- Tribunals Service Business Plan for 2008-09 (Adobe PDF file size 473kb)
2007
03 September 2007 5/07 – Employment tribunal cases rise by 15 per cent (PDF 63KB)
07 August 2007 4/07 – Welsh Language Scheme for tribunals launched (PDF 20KB)
07 August 2007 4/07W – Lansio cynllun iaith Gymraeg ar gyfer tribiwnlysoedd (PDF 66KB)
24 July 2007 3/07 – Improved Performance for Tribunal Users in service's first year (PDF 40KB)
10 July 2007 2/07 – Dundee tribunals on the move (PDF 25KB)
23 May 2007 1/07 – Plans unveiled for new look tribunals system (PDF 43KB)
