Responding to the publication of the Judicial Diversity Statistics 2019, which showed some improvements in the diverse make-up of the judiciary of England and Wales, Richard Atkins QC, Chair of the Bar, said:
"It is essential that the judiciary reflects the society it serves, and it is encouraging to see that the judiciary in England and Wales is becoming more diverse. There is though always more that can be done, and initiatives, such as the recently launched Pre-Application Judicial Education programme by the Judicial Diversity Forum (of which the Bar Council is a member), the Bar Council's guide on becoming a judge, and the Bar Council's Silk and Judicial Mentoring programme, are so important in encouraging lawyers from all walks of life to pursue a judicial career."
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