On 1 April 2010 it was re-established by section 60 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 as an independent body corporate governed by a Corporate Board and chaired by the Lord President, the head of the Scottish judiciary.[2]: Section 60
On 1 April 2015, under the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service assumed the responsibilities of the former Scottish Court Service and Scottish Tribunals Service.[3][4]
Security and maintenance of SCTS buildings are provided by Servest who are a company that provides multi functions in building management.[citation needed]
The Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 resulted in the unification of the administration of the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff and Justice of the Peace courts.[6] The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has the function of providing, or ensuring the provision of, the property, services, officers and other staff required for the purposes of all these courts (by virtue of section 61(1) of the 2008 Act).[2]: Section 61(1)
It has the responsibility of assisting the Scottish judiciary (by virtue of section 61(1)(b) of the 2008 Act), and assists the Lord President in his role as head of the Scottish judiciary (section 62 of the 2008 Act). This is coupled with assisting the Criminal Courts Rules Council and the Scottish Civil Justice Council.[citation needed]
Another consequence of the Act was the introduction of Fines Enforcement Officers. With effect from 10 March 2008 these officers, staff of SCS, will bring a more proactive approach to fines enforcement. A total of 31 members of staff will have responsibility for making sure that fines are paid on time and if offenders fall into arrears with payment those staff will use a variety of means to secure payment. Special measures that may be used will include deductions from state benefits; arrestment of wages and/or funds contained in bank accounts and seizure (and subsequent sale) of vehicles. In cases where it becomes apparent that the offender genuinely cannot pay they will be provided with contact details for other Agencies that will be able to provide guidance and help in organising the offender's finances.[7]
Leadership and administration
Board
The membership of the corporate Board of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is determined by Schedule 3 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, which stipulates that the following are members, ex officio:[2]: Schedule 3(2)
The first Scottish Court Service Board was appointed by the Lord President on 18 December 2009 [8] and comprises a majority of judicial officeholders and legal practitioners, by virtue of Schedule 3 to the 2008 Act. The Board formally took up responsibility on 1 April 2010 and is responsible for developing the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the Service.
In September 2012, the Board put forward a document for "consultation" that, if approved, would render it in breach of its statutory duty as covered by Section 61(2) of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008.[9]
The response of the Scottish ministers is awaited.[citation needed]
Members of the Board
As of 23 April 2017 the members of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Board were: