How the Scottish Court Service is Governed

The Scottish Court Service (SCS) is responsible for providing the staff, buildings and technology to support Scotland’s courts, the work of the independent judiciary, the courts’ Rules Councils and the Office of the Public Guardian.

The Courts in Scotland include the Court of Session, the High Court, Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts.

The Scottish Court Service also supports the Lord President as Head of Judiciary through the Judicial Office for Scotland

The Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 introduced these arrangements on 1 April 2010

The Scottish Court Service Board

The new Scottish Court Service Board was appointed by the Lord President on 18 December 2009 and comprises: the Lord President (Chair); the Lord Justice Clerk; a Judge of the Court of Session; a Sheriff Principal; two Sheriffs; a Justice of the Peace; an advocate and a solicitor, both practicing in Scotland; the Chief Executive of SCS; and, three other persons not qualified to hold any of the other posts. The Board formally took up responsibility on 1 April 2010 and is responsible for developing the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the Service.

During its first year of operation, the Board established Committees to provide an effective forum for detailed scrutiny of specific areas of SCS activity and strategic decisions within delegated responsibility limits, whilst ensuring continuing overall oversight and control by the full Board.

The Committees are:

  • The Scottish Court Service Audit Committee
  • The Scottish Court Service Remuneration Committee
  • The Scottish Court Service People Committee and
  • The Scottish Court Service Estates, Health & Safety, Fire and Security Committee.

SCS Board and Committee minutes.

SCS Board Scorecard

Scottish Court Service Framework Document July 2010

SCS Board Standing Orders - Revised December 2010