New Chair of Judicial Appointments Commission appointed
Helen Pitcher OBE appointed as Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon. Dominic Raab MP, has announced the Royal Appointment of Helen Pitcher OBE as the Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission.
She will hold the role for 3 years from 1 January 2023, until 31 December 2025.
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is the statutory independent selection body for judicial appointments in the courts and tribunals of England and Wales, and for some UK-wide tribunals. The Chair is appointed by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.
Ms Pitcher’s appointment follows a report from the Justice Select Committee into her suitability for the role, published on 7 December, and a public hearing with the committee held on 6 December.
Helen Pitcher biography
Helen Pitcher OBE is currently chair of the: Criminal Case Review Commission: the Public Chairs Forum and; Advanced Boardroom Excellence Ltd. Ms Pitcher holds two Non-Executive roles: C and C Group and; UB UK (part of Yildz Holdings). Prior to this Ms Pitcher was: Chairman of Pladis Global between 2015-19; the Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel between 2009-17 and; Director at Saville Group PLC between 2008-13.
Notes to editors
The recruitment process is conducted in accordance with Schedule 12 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
Pre-appointment scrutiny is an important part of the appointment process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to the appointment process.
Pre-appointment hearings are held in public and allow a Select Committee to take evidence before a candidate is appointed. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.