Introduction
5.1 For the 2002-2003 Recorder Competition 7 applicants had normally to be aged between 35 and 53. These age limits have since been removed see paragraph 2.46. The criteria for selection as a recorder were essentially the same as those for other judicial appointments. Each applicant could apply for one circuit only, and the closing date for applications varied according to the circuit.
Factors affecting career progression
5.2 The Lord Chancellor continued his scheme whereby practitioners were invited to submit a statement with their application if they considered that there were factors that had restricted their opportunities to progress in their careers and that their career progress understated their judicial potential. A number of candidates took advantage of the scheme drawing particular factors to the attention of sifting and interviewing panels.
Appointments
5.3 The advertisement for the competition was featured in the national press, minority ethnic publications and also in Welsh in the Western Mail and a Welsh version appeared on the department's website. 589 practitioners applied, 49 more than last year, although there were fewer vacancies this year. 4,825 written assessments were received from 2,875 consultees.
5.4 A total of 93 successful candidates were selected to go forward for training as a recorder. Of those who were successful, 50% were civil practitioners, 39% criminal practitioners, 7% were family practitioners and 4% held a full-time judicial post.
5.5 Once again the competition was very strong. There were many more applicants than vacancies and, after interview, there were far more candidates found to be suitable for appointment than places available. This was particularly evident on the South Eastern Circuit, which has always attracted the greatest number of applicants (see table below).
5.6 For those not successful, feedback interviews were available by appointment, either on the telephone or in person. 227 feedback interviews were conducted, representing 46% of the total number of unsuccessful candidates. Of those who were unsuccessful following interview, 78% requested feedback.
5.7 The following table shows hardly any change in the proportions of female and minority ethnic applicants for the 2002-2003 competition. The proportion of female appointments fell significantly, whilst the proportion of minority ethnic appointments rose significantly to match the proportion of applications. Applications made by solicitors rose to 23% (16% in 20012002), and there was also an increase in the proportion of solicitor candidates interviewed to 18% (15%). The proportion of solicitors appointed remained the same as last year at 6%.
5.8 Figures by circuit follow.
Reserve lists
5.9 Given the suspension of recorder competition which would have commenced in April 2002, reserve lists (consisting of successful candidates who were not offered immediate appointment) were created for each of the six circuits, as follows:
5.10 Throughout the period of the suspension vacancies continued to arise on all circuits. Presiding judges' views were sought on candidates on the reserve list. The Midland Circuit required 18 recorders, the Wales and Chester Circuit required four recorders, the Western Circuit five, the Northern Circuit five and the North Eastern Circuit two. Recommendations were made to The Queen by the Lord Chancellor for each circuit, and the appointment of reserve list candidates to fill these vacancies was approved. The South Eastern Circuit required 30 recorders, and these vacancies were filled from the South Eastern reserve list, plus one candidate from the North Eastern reserve list. With the commencement of the current general recorder competition these reserve lists no longer apply. Candidates who were not offered an appointment have been informed that they will need to re-apply.
Civil-only recorders
5.11 In response to operational demand, a competition for Civil-only recordership was advertised in December 2002. Applicants who had experience, or could demonstrate the ability to obtain the experience, in the fields of mercantile, chancery, and technology and construction were sought. Candidates could also be expected to deputise for specialist circuit judges and also potentially sit as deputy High Court judges.
5.12 The advertisement was placed in the national press, including publications aimed at minority ethnic communities, and on the department's website. There were 267 applicants for 20 vacancies: 10 on the South Eastern Circuit, and five each on the Midland and Northern Circuits.
5.13 The views of the presiding judges, leaders of the profession, professional bodies and specialists, designated civil judges, and specialist mercantile, chancery, and technology and construction circuit judges were sought in the consultation round. In addition, candidates could name between three and six consultees who could provide written assessments of their abilities. 1,771 comments were received from 959 consultees in the civil-only competition.
5.14 This competition continued into 2003-2004 and at the time of writing the results were expected to be announced in September 2003. Statistical information will be available on the departmental website in the new year.
5.15 The next general recorder competition has been announced. It will follow a rolling programme of recruitment in a similar way to that currently being undertaken for circuit bench appointments. The biggest difference is expected to be that, unlike the circuit bench competition, circuits will not be grouped as the number of applications is generally much greater.
Authorisation under section 9(1) of the Supreme Court Act 1981 to sit in the High Court
5.16 See paragraphs 3.1213 and 3.15
Designations to sit in proceedings under the Children Act 1989
5.17 Recorders need to be authorised to hear Children Act proceedings in a similar manner to circuit judges (see also paragraphs 4.11 and 4.12). At the end of the year 2002-2003 the total number of recorders authorised to hear private family law proceedings only was 322 and those who could hear both private and public law proceedings totalled 41.