What Happens When

If you would like to know the length of time it takes to complete the recruitment process this outline timetable provides an example.  You will see publicity in the media and press in the lead-in to recruitment campaigns.  It can seem like a long time between promotion and hearing whether or not you have been invited for interview.  You will, however, be told whether or not you are being invited for interview. 

• Closing date for applications
• During this period the Central Recruitment Unit at the Judicial Appointments Board processes your application, obtains the references, stores (separately) the equalities information, and then sends the application on to the Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee in your Sheriffdom.
• 8 weeks  

• Sifting
• During this period the JPAC in your Sheriffdom considers all the applications and references and draws up a shortlist. At the end of the period you will receive a letter telling you whether you have been shortlisted or not and, if you have been shortlisted, inviting you to an interview.
• 7-8 weeks  

• Interviews
• Interviews are normally held within 4 to 5 weeks of the date on which you hear whether you have been shortlisted.
• You will receive a letter within 1 week of the date of the final decision by the JPAC telling you whether you are being recommended for training.  

• Training and Appointment
• You will receive Justice of the Peace training over a 6 month period; this will begin once a likely vacancy in the right area has been identified. You may either be asked to train almost immediately or, where there is a less immediate need, your name may be placed on a "slate" (list of recommended canditates) and be invited to train when a vacancy arises. You will only be recommended to Ministers for appointment as a Justice once training has been completed successfully.