Fee-Paid Specialist Lay Member assigned to the First-tier Tribunal, Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Mental Health) Pre-Application Seminar 2024
Seminar Date: 8 April 2024
There is a recording available for this seminar. If you would like access to the recording, please email JudicialHROutreachEvents@judiciary.uk.
Application Window: 30 April – 21 May 2024
JAC Information Page: https://apply.judicialappointments.digital/vacancy/9fXHygEI0M0ljgjuBTh8/
Seminar Advert:
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) will be launching a selection exercise on 23 April 2024 to recruit 50 Fee-paid Specialist Lay Members assigned to the First-tier Tribunal, Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Mental Health).
For those interested in applying for a role, the Judicial Office is organising a pre-application seminar that will take place online via Microsoft Teams on Monday 8 April (5-6PM).
The seminar aims to help applicants be better prepared to make an application and to receive up-to-date guidance and advice on the JAC’s selection process. As well as a JAC representative, you will also hear from a Tribunal Judge and a specialist lay member to explain the role.
The JAC would welcome applications from those who have substantial experience of educational, childcare, health, or social care matters. For further information on the eligibility criteria please see the selection exercise information page
Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented groups (women, ethnic minority candidates and disabled candidates). Training is provided for all appointed members.
For more information on Tribunal members please visit Tribunal Members – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
What does a specialist lay member do?
The duties of a specialist member include attending a pre-hearing discussion about the issues to be determined with the panel on the day of the hearing.
Duties also include listening to all the evidence, taking the lead in questioning witnesses and in particular the patient’s care coordinator or social worker in the relation to the patient’s social circumstances and community care to ensure evidence is gathered on the outstanding issues between the parties, identified by the panel prior to and during the hearing. Also, to participate fully in the deliberations and decision-making process after the hearing has concluded. This includes contributing to the drafting of the decision, and responding promptly with comments, using secure email when the judge seeks observations on a draft decision.