The 2026 judicial diversity report shows that progress has stalled in terms of the proportion of Black judges, according to the Bar Council. While the proportion of Asian and mixed-ethnicity judges has slowly increased since 2016, the proportion of Black judges and other minority ethnic individuals has remained the same.
The report, published by the Ministry of Justice, reveals a mixed picture. There was no disparity of outcomes between White candidates and candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds compared with the eligible pool. However, when looking at applications to recommendation, there is evidence of a disparity of outcomes in favour of White candidates.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar Council, expressed concern over the lack of progress for Black judges. She stated, “Under the new Judicial and Legal Diversity Board we must interrogate why there has been no progress so we can begin to see this trend changing.”
Read Also: UK Supreme Court Ruling Threatens Litigation Funding
The report also highlights disparities in social mobility. Applicants who attended state schools, those who were the first in their family to go to university, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds (based on the occupation of the main household earner when the applicant was 14) had lower recommendation rates compared with their counterparts.
Brimelow emphasized the importance of social mobility, stating, “Social mobility is one of the priorities for my year as Chair of the Bar because far too often people who don’t have opportunities in their childhood miss out on incredible professional careers. The Bar and the Bench should be open to everyone who meets the academic and professional standards. I’m delighted that data on social mobility is now included in the annual statistics and will work through the new Judicial and Legal Diversity Board to monitor progress and work with others to address disparities.”
The findings suggest that while some progress has been made in increasing diversity within the judiciary, there are still significant challenges to be addressed, particularly for Black judges and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.