Judicial Skills and Abilities Framework
Last updated: January 2025
The Judicial Skills and Abilities Framework was introduced in 2014 and updated in 2025.
The Framework sets out what is expected of those in judicial roles. A simplified structure now covers three areas: Legal and Judicial Skills, Communication Skills and Personal Qualities, and Effective Working. A fourth section details the skills required for judicial leadership roles.
The updated Framework will be used to support the development and recruitment of judicial office holders. The JAC will phase it in during the course of 2025. The recruitment information for each role will set out how the updated Framework will be applied for the exercise in question.
Related guidance 5
Other guidance whose text is closest in subject to this document, found by similarity of wording rather than by citation.
- Judicial Diversity and Inclusion – First Annual Update2022-07-20
- Guide to Judicial Conduct – Revised July 20232026-05-07
- Judicial College Strategy 2021-25 launched2022-07-20
- Message from LCJ and SPT: Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Update 20242025-01-14
- Judicial College Activities Report 2023–20242025-11-27