Joining SCTS means that you are joining an organisation that plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and the office of the public guardian (OPG). 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.
Outline of the role:
The Supreme Courts in Edinburgh have a rare opportunity to join the team as a First Instance Depute Clerk.
We are seeking a dedicated individual who can adapt to challenging situations and enjoy collaborative working. The successful candidate will openly share knowledge and expertise, value the views and opinions of others and take account of the needs of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
As a First Instance Depute Clerk, you will fulfil the role of Depute Clerk of Session and Justiciary dealing with First Instance business in the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session. This includes providing technical and procedural advice; support to Judges, colleagues and members of the legal profession and developing close links with these key stakeholders and supervision of a Macer (Support Grade Assistant).
Due to the nature of the role, frequent travel to other High Court locations throughout Scotland is to be expected. A full driving license is preferred, but not essential.
To help direct us towards achieving our purpose successfully, we embrace three key values of respect, service and excellence. These guide our behaviour, decisions and actions - in pursuit of fulfilling our purpose to the highest standard.
The key responsibilities include:
- Discharging the role of Clerk of Court in First Instance Civil and Criminal business, including the preparation of all papers, management of Jurors and the sitting, recording of disposals, preparing and issuing of orders, reviewing and issuing judicial opinions.
- Discharging functions delegated by rule of court or statute, e.g. the disposal of unstarred motions in the Outer House.
- Providing Judges with practical support and advice on procedure as required to assist in fulfilling their judicial duties.
- Providing advice on procedure and practice to the legal profession and other court users.
- Responsibility for considering the potential impact of new legislation upon SCTS practices and procedures; advising interested parties to ensure appropriate and effective application.
- Providing information to witnesses and members of the public on practical issues associated with their attendance at court.
- Establishing effective communications and working relationships with legal practitioners and others litigating, prosecuting and defending before the court, using those channels as appropriate to assist in the efficient management of the business.
- Day to day supervision of one Macer (SGB2). This involves a degree of performance management, providing input to Support Grade managers to assist reporting on staff performance in accordance with Scottish Court and Tribunals Service guidelines.
- Contributing to local and corporate projects as required.
- Undertaking administrative work in the Offices of Court (Civil and Criminal) as and when required.
Our benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 2 years’ service) plus 12 public and privilege holidays
- Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service
- Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance
- A variety of staff discounts and offers with major retailers
- Payment of professional membership fees
- Access to opportunities across all Civil Service departments that are not available to non-Civil Servants
- A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager
- Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects
- Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)
- Learning and development (including digital) opportunities
About SCTS
SCTS is committed to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery. The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year. Behind each one of these is an individual – looking to the system to help them assert their rights, address wrongs or provide support in a time of need. It is this work – which takes place every day in our courts, tribunals and administrative centres across Scotland – that consumes most of the time, energy and skill of our staff. We take pride in working as one team and providing high levels of service to all those who use the courts, tribunals and OPG.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on the closing date stated on the advert, 11 October 2026.
If invited for interview candidates will be expected to prepare and deliver a presentation, details of which will be given in the invite.
Interviews will be held week commencing 2 November 2026.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk)
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting us at recruitment@scotcourts.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
