The Mental Health Tribunal is looking for new general members.
| Remuneration | Daily fee of £402.71 |
| Location | Across Scotland |
| Number of positions | 15 |
| Closing Date | Midnight 22 October 2017 |
| Time commitment | Approximately 2 days per month |
| Appointment term | 5 years with automatic re-appointment subject to the provisions of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 (see note below) |
Role description
This is a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. We are looking for people who can demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment and who wish to support the delivery of Justice in Scotland.
The Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (MHTS) is responsible for making, and reviewing orders for the detention and compulsory care and treatment of people in Scotland with a mental disorder. The tribunal also deals with applications for an order that a patient is being detained in conditions of excessive security or is unlawfully detained.
Person Specification
General Member – you must be a person who:
(a) has experience of-
- a mental disorder
- using services provided in relation to mental disorder, or be a carer for a person having such experience;
You will be required to:
- Prepare for hearings by reading the papers;
- Participate fully in the decision making of the three member tribunal panel;
- Contribute to the panel’s written decision;
- Ensure that parties who are not always represented can fully present their case and have it considered fairly;
- Ensure decisions and any orders of the panel are made efficiently, effectively and fairly.
Experience and/or a general interest in court or tribunal work would be an advantage.
The Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014
In 2018, the MHTS will transfer to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, Mental Health Chamber and become a jurisdiction of the Scottish Tribunals. At that time, members will become subject to the provisions in the 2014 Act. This includes a compulsory retirement age of 70 as the 2014 Act amends section 26 of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993, to bring tribunal members within the judicial offices to which the provisions in the 1993 Act apply to. Appointments occurring prior to the transfer-in date will be subject to the provisions of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Sift and Interview
The sift will take place from 13 to 17 November 2017 and interviews will be held in Edinburgh on 27, 28, 29 November and 5, 7, 8 December 2017.
Training dates
Induction training will be held in Edinburgh on 12, 13 and 14 March 2018 for those candidates who are successful.
How to Apply
To request an application pack, please e-mail: mhts.recruitment@gov.scot. Please state the post you are applying for (i.e. legal, medical or general) and where you heard about the vacancy. For further information about these posts please contact Emily Adams on 0131 244 3634.
The closing date for applications is Midnight on 22 October 2017. Late applications will not be accepted. The Scottish Ministers are committed to the principles of appointment on merit through an open, fair, transparent and impartial process. We invite applications from those with relevant experience, irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or belief. If successful you will be required to produce a satisfactory enhanced disclosure certificate, which you will be liable to meet the cost of obtaining. The cost is currently £25.
