Civil Justice Council and Family Justice Council

(Limited Text - Ministerial Extracts only)

Tuesday 14th July 2015 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities and Family Justice (Caroline Dinenage)]

On 4 November 2013 the triennial review of the Civil Justice Council (CJC) and Family Justice Council (FJC) was announced in Parliament. I am pleased to announce the conclusion of the review and publication of the report today.

Stage one of the review concluded that both the CJC and FJC should continue to exist as an NDPB and that there is a continuing need for the functions of both councils.

Stage two reviewed the control and governance arrangements of the CJC and FJC in order to consider whether both bodies are complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance. This review has resulted in a small number of recommendations to drive greater transparency and encourage diversity in membership of the councils, particularly of the CJC.

The review was publicised on my Department’s website and stakeholders were invited to contribute through a call for evidence. A critical friends group ensured a robust approach to the review and provided comment and challenge on the conclusions. I am grateful to all who contributed to the triennial review. The final report has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS104]