The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) will be launching a recruitment exercise for one candidate for the post of Senior Judge of the Court of Protection on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 1pm.
We are reaching out as you may be interested in sharing with your members.
The Court of Protection (CoP) makes decisions on financial, or welfare matters for people who are unable to make decisions on their own behalf at the time they need to be made (they ‘lack mental capacity’). The CoP is a national jurisdiction. The majority of the work is done at the Central Registry based in London but work also takes place in locations throughout England and Wales. The Senior Judge (SJ) of the CoP will be a Senior Circuit Judge who is responsible for leading the CoP in the London Region and has day to day oversight of the judicial work of the CoP throughout England and Wales, alongside liaising with the seven Regional Lead Judges. The SJ is the public face of the Court.
You can find more information on the selection exercise and apply on the JAC’s vacancy page https://apply.judicialappointments.digital/vacancies#future
Message from Mrs Justice Theis, Vice President of the Court of Protection
“This Senior Circuit Judge post offers a unique opportunity to provide leadership to the Court of Protection at both regional and national level. The Senior Judge of the Court of Protection plays a critical role in overseeing the effective and consistent delivery of justice for individuals who lack mental capacity. The role involves responsibility for the day-to-day judicial management of the Court across England and Wales, direct leadership of the London Region and sitting on the most complex and sensitive cases concerning personal welfare and/or property and affairs. This vital role requires expertise in Court of Protection law and practice, recent experience in the jurisdiction, and provides the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a wide range of judicial colleagues and professional stakeholders.”
For any queries regarding the recruitment campaign/selection exercise please contact the JAC selection exercise team SJCOP340@judicialappointments.gov.uk
You can sign up for alerts about this exercise.