How to make a complaint

The Ombudsman's office looks into complaints in an open, fair and transparent way. We deal with all those involved in the complaints process politely, promptly and in strict confidence.

Judicial appointments

Complaints from candidates for judicial office about the way in which their application was handled;
Matters referred to us by the Lord Chancellor relating to the procedures of the Judicial Appointments Commission or a committee of the Commission.

Please take a look at our booklet How to complain about the handling of complaints concerning the judicial appointments process to find out more.

If you wish to make an appointment complaint you should complete the appointment complaint form and return it to us.

Judicial conduct and discipline

Complaints about a judge's personal conduct from either a complainant, or a judge who is the subject of a complaint, about how that complaint was handled;
Matters referred to us by the Lord Chancellor or the Lord Chief Justice relating to the handling of conduct issues.

Please take a look at our booklet How to complain about the handling of complaints concerning the personal conduct of the judiciary to find out more.

If you wish to make a conduct complaint you should complete the conduct complaint form and return it to us.

(note: in this context the term 'Judge' covers all those offices listed in the following link, including magistrates and members of tribunals to which the Lord Chancellor makes appointments).

Alphabetical list of offices included in Schedule 14 of the Act (PDF 80Kb, 7 pages).

Special Assistance

The Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman aims to provide ease of access to our services for all complainants. Please click on the Contact Us section for ways in which we can provide assistance, if needed.