Tribunals in Wales face substantial reform after their supervisory body found them lacking in independence, openness, impartiality and efficiency.

In its first annual report, the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council Welsh committee describes the tribunals system as complex and fragmented ‘with significant differences in the way the various devolved tribunals operate and are administered’. There is also a lack of independence ‘with responsibility for tribunals and their administration lying with those whose policies or decisions it is the tribunal’s duty to consider.’ For example, it says the mental health review tribunal is sponsored by the Welsh Assembly government department for health and social services.

Concern also surrounds training for members and the judiciary.

Sir Adrian Webb, the committee’s chair, said: ‘We have identified a need for a separation of powers – a transparent guarantor of independence – relating to the policy, funding and administration of tribunals.’

Recommendations will be made to the assembly government in the autumn. However the committee said it would take a lead by keeping tribunals under review.