Andrew Bano

Andrew Bano believes that this arrangement has many advantages: "On the one hand, we are small enough to respond flexibly and effectively to the individual needs of our users; on the other, as a member of the much larger family of tribunals, we are in a position – without in any way compromising our identity or distinctive approach – to utilise the resources which are available within the new unified tribunal system.” "The make-up of the Chamber reflects the distinctive knowledge and skills needed in this jurisdiction,” says Andrew Bano.

Andrew is enthusiastic about the Chamber’s future. "I think we stand to gain tremendously from the tribunal reform programme. As an Upper Tribunal judge, I see my role as to provide judicial leadership, following the trend of recent appointments in the tribunal system.” Challenges for the future include maintaining the service expertise of the jurisdiction given that National Service ended in 1960, and Andrew sees the voluntary and reserve forces as a possible source of recruitment for the future.

Andrew Bano (male) English form of the Greek name Andreas, a short form of any of various compound names derived from andr- ‘man, warrior’. In the New Testament this is the name of the first disciple to be called by Jesus. After the Resurrection, St Andrew preached in Asia Minor and Greece. He is traditionally believed to have been crucified at Patras in Achaia. He was one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and was adopted as the patron of Scotland, Russia, and Greece. It has long been among the most popular boys’ names in the English-speaking world, especially in Scotland. Its popularity in England was further enhanced by its use as a British royal name for Prince Andrew (b. 1960), the Duke of York.

Andrew Bano, a Social Security and Child Support Commissioner, discusses bringing together tribunals into the judicial family in an article which originally appeared in ‘Benchmark’ the judicial newsletter. This article has been reproduced with kind permission of the author and Benchmark team.