Members of the Scottish Civil Justice Council

(1 x consumer representative to the Council)

The Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC) was established in May 2013 and replaced the previous Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Councils.  In addition to preparing rules for the Scottish civil courts, it has a remit to provide advice and make recommendations to the Lord President and the Scottish Ministers on the development of the Scottish civil justice system. The latest Annual Report 2021/22 and Annual programme 2022/23 sets out the SCJC’s priorities and its programme of work.

Members appointed to the SCJC hold office for a period of three years.  The Lord President is seeking to appoint a consumer representative member to join the Council (suitable individuals who may be appointed at the Lord President’s discretion) to the Council.  A summary of the SCJC’s current membership is available here.

SCJC members should have suitable experience to enable them to:

·       contribute to the development and approval of Rules for the Court of Session and sheriff court civil proceedings ensuring sufficient levels of scrutiny and challenge is being applied;

·       advise and make recommendations to the Lord President on the development of the civil justice system; and

·       agree the SCJC annual report and programme of work.

The Successful candidate will meet one or more of the criteria in the following areas: legal knowledge and skills; understanding of people and society; knowledge and understanding of the wider justice system and issues affecting it; and personal qualities. 

The Lord President is committed to the principles of appointment on merit and to the well-informed choice of individuals who, through their abilities, experience and qualities match the requirement of the post.  Further details as to eligibility and selection criteria are set out in the Lord President’s Statement of Appointment Practice and candidate information forms. As the Committee’s remit concerns access to justice, applications are particularly encouraged from those who either represent, or are from, less well represented groups.

To apply, please download a copy of the application form and submit it to scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.
The application pack, including the candidate information forms, can be found below:

Consumer Rep Member application form
Consumer Representative Candidate Information Form

For further information please contact Graeme Welsh, Secretary to the Council, at scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 08 December 2022.

Interviews are likely to be held the week commencing 09 January 2023.