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District judge (Magistrates’ Court)judicial appointment: understanding the

application process

Manjula BrayBusiness Psychologist and Career Coach, Selectif Ltd

20 March 2017

Competency-based selection

Application process stages & content

Providing evidence on paper & via tel.

A ROUTE MAP

Behaviour, competency,dimension and qualities &

abilities based interviews focuson HOW you do / achieve

somethingas well as WHAT you did

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Competencies

‘A cluster of behaviours thatdescribe the fundamental

actions that will enablepeople to be effective in the

job.

The recruiters tool kit

What’s inside? How & when arespecific tools used?

1) Eligible?

2) Qualifyingtest online3) Scenario4) Telephoneinterview

4) Referees /Independentassessors

5) Selection day:• Interview•Situationaljudgement• ‘Real’ play

FULLYCOMPLETED

SELFASSESSMENT

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If you can do it, it ain’t braggin’...

it’s a matter of self-confid

e

nce. I got wh er e Idid because I wasn’t no shrinking violet.

Dizzy Dean

It’s not what you can do, but theway you do it that counts.

Mae West

Evidence is key

It’s all aboutyoursignificantachievements

…so lose themodesty!

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The 5 competencies

1. Exercising judgment

2. Possessing and building knowledge

3. Assimilating and clarifying information

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. Working and interacting with others

5. Managing work efficiently

Exercising judgement:Demonstrates integrity and applies

independence of mind to make incisive, fair &legally sound decision

Exercising judgement –what that looks like (theindicators):

Applies the relevant law and procedurecorrectly and in a timely manner Demonstrates independence of mind Ensures fairness; demonstrates integrityand acts without bias or prejudice Communicates decisions clearly and in aconsidered way

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Possessing & building knowledge

Possesses a detailed knowledge of a relevant jurisdiction,law and practice.

Demonstrates willingness and ability to learn and developprofessionally.

Possessing and buildingknowledge includes:

Demonstrates a detailed knowledge of law andprocedure Demonstrates an ability to acquire furtherknowledge rapidly Keeps abreast of changes in the law andembraces new court processes and procedures Pursues continuous learning and professionaldevelopment

In pairs…

• Spend 2-3 mins listening (no note taking!) toyour colleague’s example

• Spend a further couple of mins giving themWWW and ebi feedback (colleague to note)after checking content against the indicators

• Swap over

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Assimilating & clarifyinginformation

Assimilating and Clarifyinginformation:

Quickly assimilates information to identifyessential issues, develops a clear understandingand clarifies uncertainty where necessary:

Effectively assimilates and processes largeamounts of information from multiple sources

Critically analyses information and appliesappropriate weight to it

Identifies, and ensures the focus remains on, therelevant issues

Keeps an open mind and does not reachpremature conclusions

Individually,

• Think of an example that satisfies the majorityof the indicators, and

• If this example were to be “featured” in anewsletter, what would be the one sentenceheading? Write it down.

• Ask your colleague (from the last exercise) todevelop a heading for the first example youshared. Reciprocate for them.

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Working and communicating withothers

Values diversity and shows sensitivity to the differentneeds of individuals. Demonstrates good

communication skills and buildsrapport effectively

Working and communicatingwith others:

Values diversity and shows sensitivity to the differentneeds of individuals.Demonstrates courtesy and authority,inspiring respect and confidence in others

Listens attentively to ensure a fair opportunity to all partiesto present their case whilst ensuring the efficient disposal of

the proceedings

Shows an awareness of the importance of diversity andsensitivity to the needs of different communities and groups

Works constructively with others

Provides direction and uses appropriate strategies tomaintain control and defuse tension when needed

Communicates effectively both orally and in writing in amanner that ensures understanding by others

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Managing work efficiently:

Works and plans effectively to make the best useof resources available

• Manages time and prioritises tasks to ensure efficientcompletion of workload

Demonstrates resilience, responding calmly and flexibly tochanging circumstances and pressure

Resolves problems independently but seeks advice andoffers assistance to others when appropriate

Utilises available resources, including the latest technology,to carry out the role in the most efficient way

Translate into The Hero’sjourney

S O A R

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1. Situation.....briefly set

the scence

2. Objective(s) &Obstacle(s) –

describe vividly

3. Achievement?

3. Actions

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4. Result?

Efficiency e.g. (259 words)

Situation Obj Action ResultAs AssistantCoroner, I havepresided overcomplex inquestsoften at shortnotice. One suchinquest concernedthe death of a manon a dualcarriageway. TheIPCC were involvedwho had carried outan investigationconcerning theactions policeofficers across twoforce areas. Ireceived thepaperwork, whichwas substantial atshort notice.

I neededto considerandanalysethe papersin detail toensurethat I wasfullyconversantwith allthe facts.

In order to absorb and process theinformation quickly I made my owndetailed notes to ensure I understoodthe pertinent issues. I also carriedout specific and detailed research toassess all the possible likely verdictsavailable to me, prior to the inquesttaking place. Additionally, I draftedkey facts that were not disputed sothat at the inquest I could focus oncontentious issues. At the Inquest, Iidentified the order in which I wantedwitnesses to give oral evidence sothat I could focus on the issuesidentified. I explored with thewitnesses the key issues surroundingtheir evidence to elicit a clearpicture of events leading up to thecollision, seeking furtherexplanations on their actions whereappropriate.

Through detailedanalysis of thedocumentation, prioridentification ofissues and subsequenttesting of this inevidence, andresearch on availableverdicts, I concludedthere was nonegligence on thepart of the police.By pre-drafting partof my decision, I wasable to deliver mywritten verdict ofaccidental death toall parties involved atthe conclusion of theinquest.

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Standards of performance

Poor Competent Exceptional

✗ ? ✔

So, what’syour trackrecord like?

‘Past behaviour is the best predictorof future performance’

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Scoring:how well did they EVIDENCE this

competency ?

E D C B A

Telephone interview basics

Seeking evidence to demonstrate your exceptionality andmotivations for specific jurisdictions. Also clarification /additional evidence where gaps identified at sift stage

• Pace and pause

• Clarity

• Be decisive

• Be succinct

• Crutches

• PMS

• Practicalities

Summary

Competency-based selection(SOAR)

Application process stages &content

Providing evidence on paper& via telephone

(next time, face to face, inperson)

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This course will equip you with the skills needed to helpenhance application and interview performance.Participants can benefit from expert guidance in tailoringyour submission to make a positive impact in thecompetency-based application and selection process, aswell as invaluable interview practice with feedback.

Max10 places per session available on:• 26 April 2017; London – Only five places left!

• 19 May 2017; London• 20 October 2017; Bristol

Judicial appointments:interview training

Register online: https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/default.aspx?tabid=589

That’s it!

Thank you for engaging with me and keep in touch!

manjula@selectif.co.uk

https://twitter.com/bray_manjulahttp://uk.linkedin.com/in/manjulabray

www.selectif.co.uk