Women are outperforming men in some judicial appointments in the UK, according to new research published today (14 June).

The research by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), found that over a six-month period women were more successful than men when applying for some judicial appointments up to and including those in the High Court.

The JAC research looked at 13 selection exercises completed between October 2011 and March 2012, with figures showing that women secured 43% of District Judge (civil) roles even they made up just 19% of the eligible pool of candidates.

Women were also successful in 50% of Deputy Immigration and Asylum Judge selections, where they made up just 20% of eligible candidates, and in 54% of Salaried Social Entitlement Judge selections, where they accounted for 19% of the pool.

The research also found women were appointed to 54% of all roles in the fee-paid Social Entitlement Judge selection, where they made up 37% of eligible candidates and 56% of fee-paid Immigration and Asylum Judge selections, where they accounted for 39% of the eligible pool.

JAC chairman Christopher Stephen, said: "In our merit-based selections women continue to perform well and are being selected in greater proportions than men in some exercises. Their strong performance in competitions for entry and middle level roles bodes well for the future if they choose to seek more senior positions. The Government's commitment to more salaried part-time working at senior levels should also help make a difference for women and other groups."

Justice Minister Lord McNally (pictured) added: "We are keen to see a more diverse judiciary that is more reflective of our society, without diluting the very high quality of judges we already have. The Government is in the process of making a range of changes to help remove obstacles to this, such as extending part-time working patterns for senior judges to help them better balance work and family lives."

According to the JAC, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic selections were above or in-line with their levels in the eligible pool for some positions but as such candidates were applying in much larger numbers, the proportion being selected compared with the proportion applying was poor.

The JAC is an independent commission that selects candidates for judicial office in courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and for some tribunals whose jurisdiction extends to Scotland or Northern Ireland.