Executive Director - Judicial Office for Scotland

Job Description

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) plays a vital and visible role at the heart of Scotland's justice system. As an independent national organisation, we are entrusted with supporting fair, efficient and accessible justice for the people of Scotland.

The Executive Director: Judicial Office for Scotland role presents a great opportunity to work with the senior judiciary at the heart of Scotland's justice system during one of the most exciting periods of rapid change it has ever experienced. The job will provide exposure to policy and strategy, service delivery, change development and corporate governance - directly supporting the SCTS board, Chaired by the Lord President (Scotland's most senior judge) in its leadership of SCTS as a non-ministerial department

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this role sits right at the centre of SCTS - an organisation with over 1,900 staff based in some 60 locations across the length and breadth of the country. As part of the SCTS Executive Team you will be jointly responsible for the overall management of the SCTS and, in particular, responsible for the strategic development of civil justice.
The Executive Director will:

Provide the Lord President and Lord Justice Clerk with high quality strategic and administrative advice and support in their management of the judiciary and in their interactions with the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government and other justice agencies.

Provide direction and leadership at a strategic level to all Judicial Office teams namely:

1. The Lord President's Private Office
2. Strategy and Governance
3. The Judicial Institute
4. Library services
5. Judicial communications
6. The Scottish Civil Justice Council
7. The Scottish Sentencing Council
8. The Office of the Auditor of Court

Responsibilities

* Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Judicial Office for Scotland, ensuring effective support to the Lord President, Lord Justice Clerk and wider judiciary.
* Lead the development and delivery of civil justice reform across SCTS, including identifying opportunities for innovation, service improvement and digital transformation.
* Contribute as a member of the SCTS Executive Team, shaping organisational strategy, performance and governance.
* Act as the key interface between the judiciary and SCTS, promoting strong relationships, collaboration and alignment of priorities.
* Provide high-quality strategic advice and support on matters relating to judicial governance, policy, welfare, conduct, deployment and recruitment.
* Lead and oversee the Judicial Office's specialist functions, ensuring the effective delivery of services and support to the judiciary.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the judiciary, Scottish Government, Parliament and justice sector partners.
* Provide leadership and direction to senior managers within the Judicial Office, fostering an inclusive, high-performing and innovative culture.
* Ensure effective governance, risk management and decision-making arrangements across the areas for which the role is accountable.
* Champion continuous improvement, organisational learning and staff wellbeing, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and people can perform at their best.