Why Apply

This role allows those with experience of workplace norms and practices an opportunity to use their expertise in an interesting, challenging and rewarding way, by joining the Tribunals lay judiciary and playing a crucial part in delivering a fair hearing and a just outcome to those involved in employment disputes.

Being a non-legal member provides you with an opportunity to give something back and serve your community as a holder of judicial office. Judicial office-holders must take an oath/affirmation of allegiance to the Crown and must swear to do right to all manner of people, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. A copy of the oath/affirmation is provided in the (Candidate Information Pack). An obvious aspect of this is to treat people equally under the law. You may find it helpful to read the Bangalore Principles (here), the Guide to Judicial Conduct (here) and the Equal Treatment Bench Book (here), to bring to life what this means.

Below, current non-legal members have briefly described the value that they gain from this office and further full profiles are available (here).

Each case still brings its own surprises and challenges. I enjoy analysing the evidence, asking appropriate questions and being part of a panel that has considered all relevant evidence and applied the law to come to a fair conclusion. On a professional level, I have been able apply my experience from the workplace to the role, by drawing on examples of a wide range of issues. On a personal level, I have gained new opportunities to contribute more widely to civil justice, such as sitting as a Lay Assessor in the County Courts; I was recently appointed to work as a Non-Legal Member in the Social Entitlement Chamber as well. I still feel very privileged to be a Non-legal member in the Employment Tribunal, and to be able undertake these wider roles. - Diane Hill

Of course, it did take time to become familiar with formal protocols, terminology, judicial behaviours, the main case authorities, and so on. But this learning reflects the importance of the role, and that learning is continuous - even 30 years later. What was invaluable (and still is) was the encouragement and collaboration of the 3 members of the Tribunal panel. Each of us brings different experience, knowledge and opinions, which we genuinely listen to, challenge and respect. What I enjoy most about the role is listening to people's accounts not only of the dispute before us, but also their perspectives on its context. - Val Lockhart

I enjoy working as part of a Tribunal team undertaking analytical and problem-solving tasks to ensure the appropriate legal outcome. I am keen to ensure that both represented and unrepresented parties have a fair opportunity to present their case. As a person with Multiple Sclerosis, I have a particular perspective on working with a disability and the issues that can arise. - Brian McCaughey