The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland invites applications from suitably qualified individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the office of Sheriff, in the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands. The Board has been advised by the Judicial Office for Scotland that there are two resident vacancies, one based in Inverness and the other in Elgin sheriff courts.
Before applying applicants should be aware that the Lord President expects a sheriff appointed to a resident vacancy to complete the five-year minimum period before the sheriff may seek a transfer to another post. The Lord President has informed the Board that it is his expectation that a person appointed to both of these vacancies must ensure that they reside within one-hour car journey of their base court. If the recommended candidate does not meet this requirement on appointment, the Lord President would issue a formal requirement under section 14(2) of the Sheriff Court (Scotland) Act 1971 if necessary. Removal to comply with this requirement on appointment would be at the applicant’s own cost. This competition is for these two vacancies only. It is recommended that before applying, applicants will wish to read section 1 of the guidance note for applicants.
The individual requirements for the posts are detailed in the application pack. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the administration of justice in the Sheriffdom. Applicants must have been legally qualified for at least 10 years. A person who is legally qualified is either an advocate or a solicitor. To be eligible for appointment a solicitor must have his or her name on the Roll.
Selection is made solely on merit. We encourage and welcome applications from the widest possible range of eligible individuals. The Board would particularly welcome applications from protected groups covered by the Equality Act 2010 such as; women, people with a disability or those from an ethnic minority background.
Further information including eligibility criteria can be obtained from our website Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland or, from the Secretary to the Board, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5HE (DX:ED29, Edinburgh), Telephone 0131 528 5101.
Applications should be completed and submitted no later than 5.00 pm on Monday 30 March 2015. The interviews are due to take place on 2 and 3 June 2015, in Inverness.
www.judicialappointmentsscotland.org.uk