Leadership change at judicial appointments body

She takes over from Professor Lord Ajay Kakkar, who has completed his term of office.

Pitcher, who will hold the role for three years until the end of 2025, is currently also chair of the Criminal Case Review Commission and sits on the advisory board for Leeds University Law Faculty. She was chair of the Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel from 2012 to 2017.

She was previously Chair of Pladis Advisory Board, which worked to create an inclusive and diverse workforce at the global foods brand, as well as serving as CEO and on the boards of a range of businesses in the food industry. She is currently a non-executive director at United Biscuits and president of national children’s charity, KidsOut.

Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: ‘As the new Chair of the JAC Helen has an opportunity to reset the commission and drive forward meaningful progress in judicial diversity, which to date has been glacial.

‘To achieve a judiciary that truly reflects the diversity of our society, there must be a greater focus on removing barriers from the selection process which hold back talented candidates from underrepresented groups. We must be frank about the flaws in the recruitment process, which mean that a diverse pool of applicants is not translating into a diverse pool of appointees.

‘We also need to continue working collaboratively to ensure that candidates from diverse backgrounds are well prepared to submit high quality applications. We look forward to working with the new Chair of the JAC to ensure the best and the brightest from all backgrounds are given a real chance at a judicial career.’