Offer a practical, judge-led approach to sustaining professional reflection in a complex and evolving judicial environment.
In light of ongoing international efforts to promote the well-being of members of the judiciary, the Austrian Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht - BVwG) has established an initiative entitled Intervision, developed and implemented by judges for judges. This format offers a structured and confidential space for professional exchange and mutual support, complementing existing training programmes and professional development tools.
Background and development
The first considerations for introducing such a format began in October 2021, within the framework of the Association of Judges at the BVwG. After extensive discussions regarding scope, structure and feasibility - including questions of size, frequency, duration and available resources - the concept of Intervision gradually took shape. The aim was to create an accessible, low-threshold forum open to all judges of the court, regardless of their membership in the association.
Intervision is understood as a form of structured peer coaching. It does not involve external experts, but is instead designed and moderated entirely by colleagues. It reflects a broader trend across several jurisdictions to create collegial reflection formats tailored to the specific needs of judicial work.
Format and objectives
The Intervision sessions are organised by a working group of six judges who carry out this task in addition to their regular duties. Sessions are held quarterly and consist of two components: a short input (approx. 20 minutes) on a selected topic, followed by an open discussion (approx. one hour). All participants are encouraged to contribute. To foster open exchange, no minutes are taken, and strict confidentiality is observed.
Each session is moderated by a colleague and ends with an anonymous written feedback round. Participants are invited to submit topic suggestions and comments for future planning.
The sessions take place in a courtroom of the BVwG and are also accessible online. The initiative was introduced to the judicial administration at an early stage. Thanks to the support of the court’s presidential office, appropriate courtrooms and the necessary technical infrastructure have been made available. The new President of the Federal Administrative Court has formally recognized Intervision sessions as a format of judicial training.
The first Intervision took place on 30 November 2023 with 35 participants. The topic focused on judicial conduct and authority during hearings -specifically, the exercise of courtroom police powers in exceptional situations. Since then, a range of topics has been addressed, including experiences with bias and compliance, questions relating to artificial intelligence and fundamental rights, and approaches to psychological challenges in judicial practice.
Peer exchange and institutional value
Intervision is based on the principle of collegial exchange on an equal professional footing. The discussion of both positive and challenging experiences in judicial work allows for joint reflection, learning and problem-solving. Particular emphasis is placed on voluntariness, confidentiality and respect for judicial independence.
To date, approximately one fifth of the court’s 240 judges have taken part in at least one session. In their feedback, participants highlight improved communication skills, increased resilience and the benefit of learning from real-world casework outside the formal training setting.
From an institutional perspective, Intervision is a cost-effective and easily implementable instrument that contributes to the overall quality and consistency of judicial work. It can support mental and emotional stability in demanding professional contexts and foster collegial trust and cohesion.
A contribution to a broader discourse
The model of the Austrian Federal Administrative Court demonstrates how peer-based initiatives can effectively complement existing structures within a specific judicial institution. Against the broader backdrop of international efforts to support the well-being and resilience of the judiciary, this Intervision programme offers a practical, judge-led approach to sustaining professional reflection in a complex and evolving judicial environment.
Background and development
The first considerations for introducing such a format began in October 2021, within the framework of the Association of Judges at the BVwG. After extensive discussions regarding scope, structure and feasibility - including questions of size, frequency, duration and available resources - the concept of Intervision gradually took shape. The aim was to create an accessible, low-threshold forum open to all judges of the court, regardless of their membership in the association.
Intervision is understood as a form of structured peer coaching. It does not involve external experts, but is instead designed and moderated entirely by colleagues. It reflects a broader trend across several jurisdictions to create collegial reflection formats tailored to the specific needs of judicial work.
Format and objectives
The Intervision sessions are organised by a working group of six judges who carry out this task in addition to their regular duties. Sessions are held quarterly and consist of two components: a short input (approx. 20 minutes) on a selected topic, followed by an open discussion (approx. one hour). All participants are encouraged to contribute. To foster open exchange, no minutes are taken, and strict confidentiality is observed.
Each session is moderated by a colleague and ends with an anonymous written feedback round. Participants are invited to submit topic suggestions and comments for future planning.
The sessions take place in a courtroom of the BVwG and are also accessible online. The initiative was introduced to the judicial administration at an early stage. Thanks to the support of the court’s presidential office, appropriate courtrooms and the necessary technical infrastructure have been made available. The new President of the Federal Administrative Court has formally recognized Intervision sessions as a format of judicial training.
The first Intervision took place on 30 November 2023 with 35 participants. The topic focused on judicial conduct and authority during hearings -specifically, the exercise of courtroom police powers in exceptional situations. Since then, a range of topics has been addressed, including experiences with bias and compliance, questions relating to artificial intelligence and fundamental rights, and approaches to psychological challenges in judicial practice.
Peer exchange and institutional value
Intervision is based on the principle of collegial exchange on an equal professional footing. The discussion of both positive and challenging experiences in judicial work allows for joint reflection, learning and problem-solving. Particular emphasis is placed on voluntariness, confidentiality and respect for judicial independence.
To date, approximately one fifth of the court’s 240 judges have taken part in at least one session. In their feedback, participants highlight improved communication skills, increased resilience and the benefit of learning from real-world casework outside the formal training setting.
From an institutional perspective, Intervision is a cost-effective and easily implementable instrument that contributes to the overall quality and consistency of judicial work. It can support mental and emotional stability in demanding professional contexts and foster collegial trust and cohesion.
A contribution to a broader discourse
The model of the Austrian Federal Administrative Court demonstrates how peer-based initiatives can effectively complement existing structures within a specific judicial institution. Against the broader backdrop of international efforts to support the well-being and resilience of the judiciary, this Intervision programme offers a practical, judge-led approach to sustaining professional reflection in a complex and evolving judicial environment.
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Karin Gastinger is a lawyer, business economist, coach and supervisor. She currently serves as a judge at the Austrian Federal Administrative Court and previously held the position of Federal Minister of Justice of Austria from 2004 to 2007.
Eva Wendler is a judge at the Austrian Federal Administrative Court. She served as the Rule of Law Officer for the Association of European Administrative Judges (AEAJ) from 2021 to 2023 and has been the Vice President of AEAJ since 2023.
Eva Wendler is a judge at the Austrian Federal Administrative Court. She served as the Rule of Law Officer for the Association of European Administrative Judges (AEAJ) from 2021 to 2023 and has been the Vice President of AEAJ since 2023.
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