Lay Men And Women To Sit At Tribunals

News that those deciding, or contributing to a decision you are facing at an Employment Tribunal may not be trained in law as judges, may come as a shock to many employers.

It was recently announced that the Tribunals Judiciary is, for the first time, recruiting 340 non-legal Employment Tribunal members.

“This will,” say the Tribunals Judiciary, “play a crucial part in delivering a fair hearing and a just outcome to those involved in employment disputes, contributing to the independent decision-making process, and deciding cases about alleged discrimination, harassment, victimisation, unlawful detriments during employment, equal pay and many other issues.

“Applicants do  not need experience of Employment Tribunal advocacy. Full training will be provided.”

These new members would sit alongside an Employment Judge (an experienced lawyer) as either an employer panel member (using your experience from an employer’s perspective) or as an employee panel member (using that perspective).

The concept of lay men and lay women adjudicating in court hearings is, of course, not new. In many magistrates courts, those sitting to hear cases are lay people who have had some training and are advised by a legal professional in court.

The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.

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