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Could you contribute to setting the strategic direction of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) during a period of major reform to the Scottish justice system?
The Lord President is seeking to appoint a new member to the SCTS Board who is not a judicial office holder or a practicing advocate or solicitor. Applications are invited from people who have the enthusiasm, skills and experience at a senior level to make a significant contribution to the delivery of justice in Scotland.
The SCTS provides support to Scotland’s judiciary and to its courts, devolved tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to enable the efficient and effective operation of the justice system. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone.
The Board of the SCTS is led by the Lord President and has a collective responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the SCTS and ensuring its good governance.
In recent years, as the justice system moved rapidly to accommodate remote and digital working new approaches have reduced the need for physical attendance – whilst ensuring it was maintained where it adds value. SCTS has invested heavily in online hearing and video conferencing technology and introduced the ability for Police and expert witnesses to give evidence remotely in High Court cases. As SCTS looks to the future, there is a real opportunity to enhance new ways of working which improve the justice system for everyone.
The purpose of the SCTS is “Supporting Justice”. The SCTS Board are actively committed to working with other justice organisations, the Scottish Government and those using court and tribunal services as it pursues its reform agenda, as set out in the recently published Corporate Plan for 2026-29 and the annual business plan for 2026-27.
You should be an excellent communicator with the skills to influence the strategic direction of the SCTS and be effective in building relationships with the organisation’s staff. You will have experience of working at a senior level in a public sector, commercial or voluntary organisation. The Lord President would encourage applicants to detail any broader experience they have in key areas relevant to the operation of a large and complex organisation such as SCTS when submitting their application. This may include previous involvement or work on – organisational policy and strategy; corporate finances; human resource management; major estates management; Digital services or media & communications.
You will be expected to commit approximately 10 days per annum to the work of the Board. Membership attracts remuneration of £367 per day.
The Lord President is committed to principles of appointment on merit through an open, fair and impartial process and would welcome applications from all those entitled to apply.
For more information on this vacancy, including details on how to apply, please see the candidate information document and the application form. The closing date for applications is midnight on 13 September 2026.
