The Ministry of Justice is to put together a new taskforce to take the lead in a drive to boost diversity among the judiciary.

The Judicial Diversity Taskforce is among 53 recommendations laid out in the report issued by the Advisory Panel on Judicial Diversity, which was formed by Lord Chancellor Jack Straw last April and is chaired by Baroness Julia Neuberger.

The taskforce is set to boast a heavy-hitting line-up including the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, the chairman of the Judicial Appointments Commission and the heads of the Bar Council and Law Society.

Straw said: "I am determined that race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability should be no barrier to those with ability joining the judiciary and progressing within it. Becoming a judge must be, and must be seen to be, open to everyone with the right skills and qualities."

The report found greater diversity among those entering the legal profession compared to those applying for judicial office, as well as a need to retain and develop talent to enable individuals from diverse backgrounds to attain senior judiciary roles.

Other key planks of the report include a recommendation that the Judicial Studies Board should evolve into a Judicial College, offering courses that will help to develop the skills of those entering the judiciary.

The report also calls on law firms to actively promote judicial office and to encourage more people to come forward and apply.