Progress and Next Steps: for the Judicial Branch

• Publication year: 2023
• Pages: 20

Progress and Next Steps: for the Judicial Branch Vol. 52, No. 8 [Page 20] Colorado Bar Journal October, 2023

COLUMN | THE CHIEF'S CORNER

Progress and Next Steps for the Judicial Branch

BRIAN D. BOATRIGHT Chief Justice Colorado Supreme Court

In January, my revival of the Chief's Corner column focused on the results and recommendations of two outside investigations completed last year. In that article, I promised future updates on the Judicial Department's efforts and initiatives. We want to do a better job of sharing what we're doing and why, because it's critical for the public to have confidence in our operations.

This article details our ongoing efforts to improve. My goal is for every employee and judge to be proud to say they work for Colorado's judiciary. I want everyone to connect to our mission, to feel supported in the workplace, and to have every tool they need for success in their work. I want Colorado to be a national leader not only in the administration of justice, but also in workplace culture and employee support. We're making great progress on these fronts. We believe in this work, and we believe that we can make Colorado's judiciary even better.

Core Administrative Operations

Over the last few years, the Department has overhauled its contracting, procurement, and leave practices to better align with the executive branch. This past year, outside investigations revealed additional opportunities to improve our rules and policies related to core administrative operations. Adopting those recommendations, we have further strengthened our fiscal controls, human resources (HR) fundamentals, and workplace reporting procedures.

Workplace Culture Initiative

This past year, the Supreme Court created a Workplace Culture Initiative (WCI). We wanted the WCI to develop a plan for long-term cultural improvements in the Judicial Department and tackle issues that can't be corrected by a simple policy or rule change. Every expert we spoke to in this process underscored that true culture change and culture improvement takes sustained commitment and years of focused efforts. Justice Marquez and Justice Berkenkotter have headed the WCI efforts with the heavy involvement of employees and judges around the state. We must have understanding and buy-in from everyone affected. The entire Supreme Court, every judicial district, and the State Court Administrator's Office are committed to long-term improvements.

Through the WCI, the Department has undertaken a number of reforms, and many more are in progress. The WCI is the engine behind statewide changes at the Judicial Department to foster an exemplary workplace driven by employee voices, a shared mission and vision, and common values and priorities. Core principles of the WCI include:

■ a shared recognition that everyone (customers and employees) should be treated with respect and dignity;

■ a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making; and

■ a shared understanding that we will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or...