The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
As part of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service commitment to equality and diversity, our recruitment system will automatically anonymise your personal information once your application is submitted and a generic application number is generated. The selection panel will only see the evidence you have provided on how you meet the key capabilities required for the job. Please check your details carefully and answer all required questions as this may affect any potential employment with us.
Joining SCTS means that you are joining an organisation that 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 the office of the public guardian (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.
Outline of the role:
As a Tribunals Hearings Clerk, you will support the delivery of Mental Health Tribunal hearings across Scotland, ensuring hearings are conducted efficiently, professionally and in accordance with established procedures. You will work independently at tribunal venues and act as the main point of contact for tribunal members, legal representatives, healthcare professionals and service users.
This is a varied role requiring strong organisational skills, confidence in dealing with a wide range of people and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Many tribunal users may be vulnerable or distressed, so professionalism, empathy and discretion are essential. The role combines administration, customer service, technology and independent working in a unique tribunal environment.
The key responsibilities include:
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Facilitate in-person, teleconference and WebEx tribunal hearings.
- Prepare hearing documentation and ensure case information is accurate and complete.
- Carry out venue risk assessments and take appropriate action to maintain a safe hearing environment.
- Meet and support tribunal participants, including service users and professional stakeholders, in a professional, impartial and sensitive manner.
- Set up and operate hearing technology, recording equipment and digital systems.
- Manage hearing-day administration and resolve issues using sound judgement and established procedures.
- Liaise with tribunal members, healthcare professionals, solicitors and colleagues to ensure hearings run smoothly.
- Complete post-hearing documentation accurately and within required timescales.
- Travel regularly to tribunal venues throughout Scotland.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives and flexible team working across SCTS.
- Conduct risk assessments at tribunal venues, proactively resolving issues and reporting any risks or concerns to the Team Leader in a timely manner.
- Travel across Scotland to support the delivery of tribunal hearings, with flexibility to work occasional extended hours when operationally required.
- Support multi-functional initiatives across SCTS, working collaboratively with colleagues to drive service excellence and organisational objectives.
The above list is not exhaustive and will vary in some tribunals.
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.
Our benefits include:
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Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 2 years’ service) plus 12 public and privilege holidays
- Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service
- Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme
- 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
- A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager
- Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects
- Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)
- Learning and development (including digital) opportunities
About SCTS
SCTS is committed to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery. 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.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on the closing date stated on the advert, Tuesday 28 July 2026.
Please note that you must have completed the online assessment by this time for your application to be considered.
Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 17 August 2026.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
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.
Civil Service Code:
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Recruitment Principles:
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Complaints:
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at:
[email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at
[email protected].
For further information on the Recruitment Principles and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
