Competency Framework

Behaviours of an Effective Fee-Paid Medical Member of

the First-tier Tribunal Health Education and Social Care Chamber,

Mental Health (England) and Mental Health Review Tribunal (Wales)

About the competency framework

The competency framework lists the behavioural indicators (bullet pointed statements) of a member of the judiciary who is working effectivelyas aFee-Paid Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal, Health Education and Social Care Chamber, Mental Health (England) and Mental Health Review Tribunal (Wales). This framework is aligned to the Judicial Skills and Abilities framework.

When considering your application and taking part in the selection process you should consider the following:

  • The competency framework lists the behaviours of a member ofthe judiciary who is working effectively within the role. It is not expected that you will necessarily be able to demonstrate all of these individual behaviours in your application
  • Ensure you cover the breadth of the competency area instead of trying to address each behavioural indicator, as it may not be possible, within the word limit, to provide evidence in sufficient detail against every indicator for each competency area
  • Your examples must relate to the behavioural indicators as closely as possible - think about how your experience is transferrable into the specific judicial role
  • Ensure you present evidence in the context of the specific competency area you are addressing

Exercising Judgement
Demonstrates integrity and applies independence of mind in makingincisive, fair and legally sound decisions
  • Makes, and contributes to, decisions by applying the mental health law and other relevant legislation to facts and submissions
  • Shows appreciation of the impact of a decision, including its wider consequences
  • Acts with integrity and ensures fairness in making appropriate decisions in challenging situations
  • Demonstrates independence of mind
  • Makes decisions with confidence, in a timely and appropriate manner

Possessing and Building Knowledge
Possesses a good knowledge of mental health law and relevant medical knowledge. Demonstrates an ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally
  • Demonstrates current medical knowledge and knowledge of the relevant area of law and procedure
  • Demonstrates an ability to acquire additional knowledge, especially of complex subject matter
  • Keeps abreast of changes within the law, mental disorders and the potential impact upon wider society
  • Is motivated towards, and actively pursues, continuous learning and professional development
  • Encourages a shared learning approach, sharing relevant information and developments with others when appropriate

Assimilating and Clarifying Information
Quickly assimilates information to identify essential issues, develops a clear understanding and clarifies uncertainty through eliciting and exploring information
  • Demonstrates speed and flexibility in assimilating and processing large amounts of complex information from multiple sources
  • Does not prejudge; keeps an open mind
  • Identifies information gaps and focuses on the relevant issues, encouraging others to do the same
  • Adapts questioning style to suit individual needs and to enable effective fact-finding
  • Works collaboratively to evaluate and balance the evidence in order to reach a reasoned decision

Working and Communicating with Others
(‘Others’ refers to other Tribunal members, patients, professionals and other witnesses)
Conducts proceedings appropriately, values diversity and shows an appreciation of the wider impact of communications. Demonstrates good communications skills and empathy. Builds rapport with others, where appropriate
  • Demonstrates courtesy and authority, inspiring respect and confidence in others by using effective verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Provides specialist advice and cooperates with others to ensure all parties participate fully in the process
  • Shows an awareness of diversity and sensitivity to individual needs
  • Communicates succinctly and in a well-reasoned manner, using technical language only when necessary, ensuring complex information is understood
  • Listens attentively and patiently, consideringopinions of others to ensure fairness within the process

Managing Work Efficiently
Works and plans effectively to make the best use of resources available
  • Actively takes responsibility for efficient completion of cases, minimising delays where possible
  • Demonstrates resilience, responding calmly and flexibly to changing circumstances
  • Utilises available resources, making full use of available technology
  • Seeks guidance from and offers professional assistance to others as appropriate
  • Carefully balances professional commitments with tribunal duties and responsibilities