New Chair Appointed to Lead the Judicial Appointments Commission in the UK

Overview of the Judicial Appointments Commission

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) serves as the independent statutory body responsible for the selection of judges across the courts and tribunals of England and Wales, as well as for certain tribunals that operate on a UK-wide basis. The Chair of the Commission is appointed by His Majesty the King, following the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor, with the current term set to last 18 months, commencing on 1 September 2026.

The recent appointment of Ms Lynne Berry has come after a thorough evaluation by the Justice Select Committee, which assessed her suitability for the position. This assessment was documented in a report released on 12 June, following a public hearing conducted with the committee on 10 June.

Ms Lynne Berry’s Professional Background

Lynne Berry CBE is a distinguished figure in the realm of public service and academia. She is currently serving as the Chair of Governors and Pro-Chancellor at the University of Westminster, alongside her role as Chair of the Human Tissue Authority. Additionally, she holds a position as a Visiting Professor in Leadership at Bayes Business School, which is part of City, St George’s, University of London.

Throughout her illustrious career, Ms Berry has been instrumental in leading various public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Her extensive experience includes roles as Chair and Senior Independent Director for numerous entities, as well as holding Chief Executive positions within significant public bodies. Her previous roles span institutions such as the Charity Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and the General Social Care Council. Furthermore, she has made notable contributions in charitable organisations, including the Royal Voluntary Service and the Family Welfare Association, underscoring her commitment to public service and community welfare.