The Ombudsman will consider individual complaints from applicants for judicial appointment where maladministration by the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (the Commission), Committees of the Commission, or by the Lord Chancellor in respect of his role in making recommendations for appointment, is alleged.

The Ombudsman may also:

  • investigate allegations of maladministration by the Northern Ireland Court Service, notwithstanding the abolition of that body;

  • investigate allegations of maladministration by the Lord Chancellor in relation to appointments schemes initiated prior to 12 April 2010: and

  • investigate, determine and make recommendations on matters referred to him by the Lord Chancellor in relation to appointment schemes initiated prior to 12 April 2010

A full list of the Ombudsman's potential constituents can be found here - List of offices included in Schedule 1 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (PDF).