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Chapter 5: Annual Accounts

Foreword

History of Body

The Scottish Court Service (SCS) was established as an Executive Agency on 3 April 1995 and is part of the Scottish Government Justice Department.

Statutory background

The Agency accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Direction by the Scottish Ministers, as reproduced on page 57.

The Report and Accounts are presented for the financial year ended 31 March 2004.

Results on accruals basis

The Income and Expenditure Account shows income and the net cost of operations on an accruals basis.

The net cost of operations, which amounted to £64.8 million, represents the value of work undertaken by the Agency. It has been calculated after including a number of notional and non-cash costs. Details are given in the notes to the accounts.

The Scottish Court Service is a supply-financed agency within the Scottish Government Justice Department and is accounted for under the Scotland Act 1998.

  • Structural changes – possible unification of the administration of the Sheriff and District Courts and the composition of the bench
  • Arrangements for fines collection and enforcement
  • Alignment of boundaries
  • Criminal justice system case management and procedural changes

The Programme Team, led by Billy McCulloch, is responsible for managing the programme's portfolio of projects, which will encompass Human Resources, Finance, IT, Estates and Operational issues.

The team work closely with colleagues in the Scottish Government Justice Department and criminal justice partners in policy development and planning for implementation of any changes that may be agreed.

Review of activities

SCS aims to help secure ready access to justice for the people of Scotland. The Agency's principal task is to provide the administrative, organisational and technical services to support the Judiciary in the administration of justice.

The Agency was successful in managing its resources so as to deliver agreed services within the approved 2003/04 funding.

Fixed assets

Work on Dumbarton and Lanark Sheriff Courts was largely completed and continued on Phase 1a of Parliament House in Edinburgh. Work commenced on the redevelopment of the new high court building in Aberdeen. Colliers Conrad Ritblat Erdman (Chartered Surveyors) re-valued all freehold land and buildings as at 31st March 2004; the results of which have been incorporated in these accounts.

Research and development

It is the Agency's policy to keep abreast of all technical innovation, products, and system developments in the field in which it operates.

Events since the end of the financial year

John Ewing, Chief Executive was transferred to Transport group in Scottish Government with effect from 13th April 2004. Eleanor Emberson was appointed from 5th July 2004. During the intervening period Alan Swift, Director of Personnel & Development was acting Chief Executive.

The Programme Team, led by Billy McCulloch, is responsible for managing the programme's portfolio of projects, which will encompass Human Resources, Finance, IT, Estates and Operational issues.

The team work closely with colleagues in the Scottish Government Justice Department and criminal justice partners in policy development and planning for implementation of any changes that may be agreed.

Senior management

During the year the Management Board of the Agency comprised:

J Ewing - Chief Executive (left 13.4.04)
I E Scott - Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Change (retired 31.3.03)
M G Bonar - Area Director East
D Forrester - Area Director West
E McQueen - Area Director North
J L Anderson - Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary
N Bennett - Director of Finance & IT
C Binning - Director of Operations & Planning
G Jewell - Director of Property and Services
A Swift - Director of Personnel and Development

Persons with disabilities/Equal opportunities

SCS has positive policies in relation to persons with disabilities. Special facilities are provided where necessary. SCS complies with equal opportunities legislation.