Non-Executive Board Member - Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service

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.

Background

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

Reform

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

Criteria for Appointment

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

Further Information

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 please refer to the attached “information for applicants” document

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 13th September 2026

If you have any difficulty accessing any of the documents, would like them in alternative formats or have any queries about the appointment process, please feel free to contact us by sending an email to boardrecruitment@scotcourts.gov.uk

Completed applications should also be submitted to this address by the closing date

Interviews

A sift of all written applications will be carried out to select candidates for interview

Interviews will be held on 6 October 2026. Please note (before submitting an application) that applicants must be available for interview on this date

The interviews will be conducted by a panel of three Board members

You may be asked to make a short presentation to the panel, details of which will be advised should you be invited for interview.