Its aims are to promote greater understanding and better resolution of issues facing fee-paid judges, and in particular to:

Encourage co-operation and collaboration among fee-paid judges;

• Contribute to the understanding and resolution of legal issues and working practices facing fee-paid judges;

• Increase understanding of the broad range of social, economic, psychological and cultural factors that influence fee-paid judges and their appointments and careers in the court system;

• Increase understanding about fee-paid judges, their numbers, the processes by which they are selected, the barriers which may interfere with their selection and career progression with a view to achieving a judiciary which more accurately reflects the population it serves; and

• Increase understanding of the role of the judiciary and to promote and protect the rights of fee-paid judges; and to respond to relevant consultations affecting fee paid judges.