Since launching a year ago the first national organisation representing Black judges in England and Wales, the UKABJ has concentrated on establishing itself as a representative body within the judiciary, engaging with key institutional stakeholders, and developing strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the persistent under-representation of Black judges. The participation of senior members of the judiciary at the launch and engagement with UKABJ since demonstrates institutional recognition of the importance of the Association’s objectives and its potential role in advancing judicial diversity.
The UKABJ seeks not only to represent the interests of Black judges but also to contribute to wider efforts to enhance the legitimacy and inclusivity of the justice system. Early discussions with senior JAC officials focused on the analysis of appointment data, the identification of structural barriers affecting Black applicants, and the exploration of collaborative measures to improve diversity within the appointments process. Discussions with the senior judiciary has included consideration of mentoring and sponsorship initiatives intended to support prospective Black candidates and strengthen pathways into judicial office.
UKABJ has undertaken organisational development through consultation with stakeholders, the establishment of strategic partnerships, and the formulation of an action plan to guide its future activities. It has also sought to develop a professional network encompassing salaried and fee-paid judges, tribunal judges, coroners, retired judges, and allies committed to advancing its objectives. These initiatives reflect an emphasis on fostering professional support, knowledge-sharing, and collective advocacy within the judiciary.
Through the newsletters we have sought to increase the visibility of Black judicial achievement by publicly recognising all new appointments, including the elevation of Ms Justice Margaret Obi to the High Court. This is to celebrate individual achievement and to provide visible role models for aspiring judicial candidates and , encourage greater participation by Black legal professionals in judicial careers.
UKABJ has become an active participant in national discussions concerning judicial diversity and inclusion. The Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030 acknowledges the association as one of the recognised judicial networks representing protected groups and identifies the improvement of Black representation as an ongoing strategic priority. The association has also contributed to public debate on judicial appointments, arguing that existing diversity initiatives have not adequately addressed the structural barriers faced by Black candidates and advocating for more substantive reform of the appointments process.
The recently published Judicial appointment statistics for 2025 show that the number of Black judges in England & Wales remains disproportionately low in comparison with the wider population. That stagnation is not shared by other demographic.
Since the launch, UKABJ has established itself as a recognised representative organisation, strengthened engagement with key judicial institutions, and we believe that it is developing an organisational infrastructure necessary to influence future policy and practice relating to judicial diversity.
We are proud to have created a platform through which the interests and experiences of Black judges can be represented within the justice system.
Closing out the year we were pleased to venture out of London and wish to thank Trowers & Hamlins and members of the legal community in Birmingham who hosted the summer social on 12 June. It was a wonderful evening.