Grampian Highland and Islands consultation report
This Consultation Paper provides details of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) proposals and plans for the future configuration of Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts, and the arrangements for delivery of court related services within Grampian, Highland & Islands.
In formulating this plan, SCS has been guided by the conclusion outlined in the Next Steps paper that summary criminal courts will work most effectively under a unified administration, providing:
- Effective service integration
- Consistency of standards
- Greater simplicity and accountability
- Unitary management of the court estate
In the Next Steps paper it was recognised that delivery of a unified service would require detailed work and careful planning in liaison with stakeholders, partners and organisations involved in the summary criminal courts. SCS has established effective communication links at all levels from Area Management level to court management level and has established Court User Groups covering the 5 Local Authority commission areas in Grampian, Highland & Islands - the City of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
These groups have been established specifically for the unification process and include representatives of local Criminal Justice partners and stakeholders. In addition a series of meetings and road shows have been held for District and Sheriff Court staff to provide them with information about SCS and the planned changes.
SCS looks forward to developing this plan as court unification in Grampian, Highland & Islands moves into the implementation phase. This will involve continuing dialogue with the Judiciary, stakeholders, partners, staff and community interests. We also invite written comments on this consultation paper and these should be sent by 30 September 2007 to:
Lora Crabtree.
Grampian, Highland & Islands Sheriffdom,
Court Unification Project Manager,
Sheriff Court House,
Castle Street,
Aberdeen,
AB10 1WP.
Telephone: 01224 657232
E-mail: