First Instance Depute Clerks

SCTS a great place to work, learn and develop

ABOUT SCTS

SCTS plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and OPG. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone.

The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year. Behind each one of these is an individual – looking to the system to help them assert their rights, address wrongs or provide support in a time of need. It is this work – which takes place every day in our courts, tribunals and administrative centres across Scotland – that consumes most of the time, energy and skill of our staff. We take pride in working as one team and providing high levels of service to all those who use the courts, tribunals and OPG. We are always looking to improve the services we provide – through innovation and development. Whilst delivering our core services is our priority, considering how we can improve and develop is also crucial to keep delivering the highest quality service.

To help direct us towards achieving our purpose successfully, we embrace three key values of respect, service and excellence.

These guide our behaviour, decisions and actions - in pursuit of fulfilling our purpose to the highest standard.

Outline of job role and purpose:

Depute Clerks of Session and Justiciary are based at the Supreme Courts, Parliament Square, Edinburgh. However, the High Court sits in locations throughout Scotland. When acting as Depute Clerk of Justiciary you will work at various locations throughout Scotland out with Edinburgh which can be for significant periods of time.

The successful candidates will join one of five teams of approximately ten clerks led by a Clerking Services Manager. Each team contains a broad range of skills and experience. Needs based training is provided to enable effective clerking of civil and criminal business. Initial training will be in one area (civil or crime) and following a period of consolidation will commence in respect of the other area. Fully competent Depute Clerks are normally assigned to a specific Judge.

You will be an experienced and highly effective communicator with excellent organisational skills, who is flexible, highly motivated and keen to learn new skills and take on new information. It would be ideal (though not essential) if you had either a legal qualification or some experience of working in the justice sector.

Open Night

Interested? We will be holding an informal open evening on Wednesday 16 October 2024 between 6 and 7pm at the Supreme Courts, Parliament House, 11 Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ. Why not come along and see what it is all about, have a tea or coffee, chat with current Depute Clerks, Managers and Judges, ask them about the role and find out if it’s something you are interested in?

Our benefits include:

·        A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager

·        Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects

·        Flexible working arrangements 

·        25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 4 years’ service) plus 11.5 public and privilege holidays

·        Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service

·        Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme

·        Family friendly policies

·        Free and confidential Employee Assistance

·        A variety of staff discounts and offers with major retailers

·        Payment of professional membership fees

·        Access to opportunities across all Civil Service departments that are not available to non-Civil Servants

·        Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)

·        Learning and development (including digital) opportunities

To apply please visit our website.

Closing date: 27 October 2024.

Interviews will be held week beginning 12 November 2024.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.