ACU Judicial Wellbeing Survey

The Judicial Wellbeing Survey is designed as a comprehensive tool to help judiciaries assess and better understand the factors that affect the mental, emotional, and professional wellbeing of their judicial officers. The survey is informed by the lived experiences of judges and grounded in international research and global best practices. This provides the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the personal realities of judicial life, and the broader institutional and socio-political environments in which judges operate. 

The primary objective of the Judicial Wellbeing Survey is to identify systemic risks, highlight institutional strengths, and uncover opportunities for meaningful reform. By understanding the pressures and support structures within judicial systems, courts and judicial leaders can develop targeted, evidence-based strategies to promote resilience, improve institutional culture, and enhance the quality and independence of justice systems.

The survey is designed to collect data that will inform policies, improve institutional practices and foster judicial resilience. It includes seven background questions to collect data on respondents’ legal education, professional experience, and demographic characteristics to support a more in-depth analysis, that allows for comparisons across different jurisdictions and profiles to explore how judicial wellbeing may vary globally.

The survey consists of 107 questions structured around 12 key themes, each addressing a distinct dimension of judicial experience:

1. Judicial workload
2. Exposure to distressing content
3. Socio-political and context-specific factors
4. Safety and security
5. Discrimination, harassment, and bullying
6. Security of tenure and financial stability
7. Relationships and trust
8. Institutional justice and fairness
9. Public discourse and social media
10. Work culture
11. Lifestyle and well-being
12. Recognition of judicial wellbeing

The survey takes approximately 25-35 minutes to complete, depending on the reading speed and the level of reflection. We recommend setting aside uninterrupted time to complete the survey in one sitting to ensure quality and depth of responses.

To uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and anonymity, the survey platform does not record IP addresses, collect metadata linking a response to an individual or any information that identifies respondents. All responses are anonymous, ensuring confidentiality and fostering an environment where judicial officers can respond openly and honestly.

Once the survey is completed, data will be analysed, collated and presented in an aggregated format via the online platform.

Judicial wellbeing is essential for personal care, and fundamental to the integrity of the judiciary and public confidence in the justice system. By participating, respondents contribute to an important initiative aimed at advancing judicial wellbeing as a pillar of judicial integrity and public trust.