Appointment Process
Understanding the Judicial Recruitment and Appointment Processes
The JABS judicial recruitment process has been developed and refined over many years and continues to evolve. Regular review and improvement help ensure that the process remains fair, transparent and effective.
This section explains how the process works and what JABS looks for when assessing applications. Whether you are applying for the first time or have applied before, it is designed to help you better understand the process and prepare a strong application.
JABS is responsible for assessing applicants and making recommendations to the Scottish Government. Appointments are then made either by The King, in the case of court roles, or by the Scottish Ministers, in the case of tribunal roles.
This section focuses primarily on the JABS processes, while also providing an overview of how recommendations are converted into appointments.
How the Process Begins
The process starts when the Judicial Office for Scotland identifies a need for the recruitment of judicial office holders.
Once the need has been identified, Judicial Office makes a request to the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government then considers the request and undertakes any necessary discussions. If approval is granted, an official request is issued to JABS setting out the details of the recruitment exercise.
Following receipt of the official request, JABS will then start the competition.
After Recommendations Have Been Made
Once a competition has concluded and recommendations have been submitted to the Scottish Government, JABS's role in the process is complete. Further steps are then required before appointments can be made.
Court Roles
For court appointments, the Scottish Government consults the Lord President on the candidates recommended by JABS. Following this consultation, the First Minister makes recommendations to The King.
Once approved, The King signs a Royal Warrant. The recommended candidates are formally appointed to judicial office at that stage.
Tribunal Roles
For tribunal appointments, JABS' recommendations are submitted to the relevant Scottish Ministers. Once those recommendations have been accepted, letters of appointment are issued. Candidates are formally appointed when those letters are issued.