Recruitment of the positions of solicitor member and victims’ expert member

20 March 2023

The Scottish Sentencing Council has vacancies for the positions of solicitor member and victims’ expert member.

The successful candidates will assist the Council in its preparation of sentencing guidelines and development of sentencing policy within Scottish courts.

The Council is chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk and includes five other judicial office holders, three legal members, a police officer, a victims’ expert and one further lay member.

Current priorities include the development of sentencing guidelines in relation to offences of causing death by driving, sexual offences (with an initial focus on indecent images, rape, and sexual assault), domestic abuse, and sentence discounting.

The solicitor member should have, among other qualities, an understanding of sentencing policy and practice and the impacts of sentencing. This position is appointed by the Lord Justice General. More information and details on how to apply can be found here.

The closing date for applications for the solicitor member is noon on 27 March 2023.

The victims’ expert should have, among other qualities, knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by victims of crime. This position will be appointed by the Scottish Government. More information and details on how to apply can be found here.

The closing date for applications for the victims’ expert is midnight on 3 April 2023.

Members should expect approximately 12 days’ commitment each year, which will include attending meetings of the Council and any committees the member sits on, as well as attending engagement and promotional events.

For further information about the Council or the roles, please contact David Dickson, Acting Secretary to the Council, at ddickson2@scotcourts.gov.uk.