Annual Report 2022-23

Judicial Complaints Reviewer Annual Report 2022-2023_0.pdf

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6. Observations

I had an initial meeting with the Lord President, held in November 2022. This was an informal discussion where we discussed the JCR role itself along with the JOS role in terms of interactions with the JOS and if I had any issues settling into the role.

I had an initial meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice (the previous incumbent in this role), held in February 2023, we discussed matters including:

  • The JCR role in general and interactions with the JOS.
  • The Cabinet Secretary for Justice asked me for my thoughts on the Judiciary in general.
  • The Cabinet Secretary for Justice asked me if I had any anecdotal evidence regarding trends within JCR reviews which contained an element trauma within the review. As part of this discussion he asked if I could take on an action to report back informally to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice within my second year if I had identified any evidence or trends within JCR reviews.

In relation to my informal action from the meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice I have met with the Head of Programme for the National Trauma Training Programme – in which we discussed trauma informed justice and I received the training materials for the accompanying skills and framework.

I have met with members of the Scottish Government Justice Directorate including a six monthly catchup with the Deputy Director of Civil Law and Legal Systems Division – the division responsible for sponsoring my office – in which we discussed the role, complaint handing and any issues I may have had. I am satisfied with the level of support and resources which I have received over the year from the Directorate.

I have met with members of the JOS on a semi-regular basis throughout the year to discuss individual cases, relevant developments in complaints both my role and that of the JOS and any issues that may arise during reviews. After liaising with the JOS during my first year of tenure, the JOS have asked for a reinstatement of the previous JCR process of sending them completed review case reports, I will adhere to this request going forward in the coming year. I am satisfied with the level of support received over the year from the JOS.

As the JCR, I will continue to liaise with the JOS and the Justice Directorate to assess standards and performance in the handling of judicial complaints.

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