The Joint Advisory Appeals Board (JAAB) or the Joint Advisory Disciplinary Board (JADB) are independent advisory bodies operating within CERN’s internal legal framework, with the task of making recommendations in respect of administrative appeals or disciplinary proceedings:

• the mandate of the JAAB is to examine internal appeals that challenge administrative decisions;
• the mandate of the JADB is to examine cases where a disciplinary measure more severe than a warning or a reprimand is being considered.

For each case, the relevant Board (JAAB or JADB) will form a panel of three members, consisting of two CERN staff members and the Board’s Chair or Deputy Chair, who is an external professional. In general, the JAAB and the JADB each handle between two and five cases per year.

Under the guidance of the Chair or Deputy Chair, the panel members will ensure that cases are resolved in an accountable, fair and respectful manner, following due process, upholding CERN’s principles and values and thereby building confidence in the Organization’s internal justice mechanisms.

Board members demonstrate:

• a strong sense of integrity, impartiality and confidentiality;
• sound judgement and professionalism;
• the ability to analyse complex situations objectively and fairly; and
• strong interpersonal and communication skills.

The term of office of the Board members is three years, and they may be re-appointed. Board members are expected to dedicate time to reviewing documentation in English or French, participating in hearings or deliberations as required and contributing constructively to the formulation of recommendations in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures. They receive appropriate training to support them in carrying out their responsibilities.

The Organization is committed to ensuring a balanced and diverse composition of each of the Boards, including with respect to gender, professional background, functions and nationality.

According to Chapter VI, Section 3 of the revised Staff Rules and Regulations entered into force on 1 July 2026, ten members per Board are designated jointly by the Director-General and the President of the Staff Association.