Current Vacancies 

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the role of Ordinary Member (Surveyor Experience) of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland. This is an important opportunity to contribute to justice in Scotland.

There are two vacancies. Ordinary Members are appointed to sit as part of a judicial panel within the Upper Tribunal for Scotland. They contribute specialist expertise and professional experience to support informed, balanced decision-making. Working collaboratively with the judicial or legal Member, ordinary Members help to ensure the fair, impartial, and efficient determination of cases, delivering a high-quality, accessible, and timely service to tribunal users.

To be eligible, applicants must:

·       Be a member or fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); and

·       Have at least 10 years’ experience as such a member or fellow in matters relating to valuation for rating. 

     The role demands the ability to analyse complex information, apply sound professional judgement, and contribute to clear, well-reasoned decisions. Ordinary Members are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality, alongside a strong commitment to delivering justice in a respectful, inclusive, and user-focused manner.

The Upper Tribunal for Scotland is located at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre, Atlantic Quay. Hearings may also be heard elsewhere in Scotland.

Ordinary Members may be required to travel throughout Scotland and undertake site visits as part of their duties. Such visits can be physically demanding and may involve walking over fields, uneven terrain, or other challenging environments. In addition, hearings may take place outside Edinburgh and Glasgow where this is most appropriate for users. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where required, for example in relation to travel arrangements, accessibility of venues, participation in site visits, or the provision of appropriate support or equipment.

You are required to be available for not less than 15 days in each year, although the total time commitment could vary depending on the volume of work of the Chamber. The allocation of a minimum number of sitting days in any year is not guaranteed.

In addition to sittings, there is at least one annual mandatory training event. Additional training is offered throughout the year.

The role is paid on a daily fee basis. Ordinary (Surveyor) members of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland are paid a total daily fee of £597.62. Travel and subsistence expenses will also be met in line with terms and conditions.

Upper Tribunal surveyor terms and conditions allow members to make a claim, at the full daily fee rate, for each day of up to 7.5 hours (excluding lunch breaks) given to the exercise of their functions. Upper Tribunal surveyor members may also claim at 50% of the full daily fee rate, for each day of up to 4 hours (excluding lunch breaks) given to the exercise of their functions. In addition to the substantive hearing functions include travelling throughout Scotland, carrying out site visits, and preparing for hearings.

Should candidates have any queries regarding fees and expenses they may email Tribunal.Policy@gov.scot.

Further information on the role and application process can be found in the following documents and JABS YouTube channel:

·     Ordinary Member (Surveyor Experience) Role Profile, prepared by the Judicial Office for Scotland, provides applicants with information about the role and the work of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.

·      JABS Application Guidance Note contains important information designed to support applicants with the process.

·       A FAQ document has been prepared and will be made available once questions have been received. Questions are welcome at mailbox@jabs.gov.scot. Responses will be anonymised and published.

·       JABS YouTube channel includes the following videos:

o   Paul Gray, JABS Lay Member and Panel Chair introducing the competition

o   Lord Duthie and Craigie Marwick FRICS on the role of Ordinary Member (Surveyor Experience)

o   Fiona McLean, JABS Lay Member on the JABS Application and Interview process.

It is expected that the successful candidates will take up appointment in early 2027, when they will commence the induction process with the Judicial Institute.

We encourage applications from a wide and diverse range of suitably qualified people. The principles of fair and open competition will apply and recommendation for appointment will be made solely on merit.

To apply via our online application system, GetGot, please click here.

Applications must be submitted by noon on Tuesday 15 September 2026