Judicial appointments: complain to the ombudsman
How to take your case to the ombudsman if you are not happy with the handling of your application for a judicial appointment.
The Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman can look into complaints about the appointment process for judges and tribunal members.
You can complain to the ombudsman if:
- you are the candidate who applied for the post
- you have already complained about the appointment process
In most cases, you have to complain to the Judicial Appointments Commission first, before you come to the Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman.
Make sure you write to the ombudsman within 28 days of getting the final decision about your original complaint.
How to complain to the ombudsman
Fill in the JACO appointment complaint form.
You can return this by email to [email protected], or send it to:
Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman's Office
Postal point 1.55,
1st Floor, the Tower,
102 Petty France,
London SW1H 9AJ
DX 152380 Westminster 8
After you complain to the ombudsman
We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days.
We may ask you for more details.
You will get a letter or report at the end of the investigation with the ombudsman’s decision.
What the ombudsman can decide
The ombudsman can uphold or dismiss your complaint.
If your complaint is upheld, the ombudsman can recommend:
- changes to the appointment process
- other steps to resolve your complaint
The ombudsman’s decision is final, and you cannot appeal against it.
Updates to this page
Published 27 June 2014Last updated 16 April 2024 + show all updates
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New online complaint form added.
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Section on recommendations for upheld complaints updated.
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Address updated.
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First published.