About the Role
Where are the current vacancies?
This recruitment round includes known current vacancies across Scotland. In addition, a small number of further vacancies may arise during the course of the recruitment exercise. Details of known vacancies, together with information on how any additional vacancies will be managed, are provided in the application and guidance documentation.
Candidates will only be considered for appointment to posts to which they have directly applied or where they have subsequently indicated they may be interested in additional vacancies those for which they have expressed a preference.
Some vacancies are designated as "floating" posts. Sheriffs appointed to these positions will be required to sit at different court locations throughout a sheriffdom, as directed by the relevant Sheriff Principal.
Successful candidates should be aware that residency requirements apply to appointments. Information on expected court locations, travel requirements and residency expectations for individual posts are set out in the Application pack. Applicants are encouraged to consider these requirements carefully when selecting their location preferences.
Is this a full-time Salaried role?
Yes. All vacancies in this competition are for full-time salaried roles. Details of salary, pension arrangements and terms and conditions are available within the Guidance Note.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
A person is eligible for appointment as a Sheriff if they are:
- Legally qualified (either as a solicitor or advocate) and has been so qualified throughout the period of 10 years immediately preceding the appointment; or
- Immediately before appointment have held office as a Sheriff Principal, Summary Sheriff, Part-time Sheriff or Part-time Summary Sheriff.
Applicants should ensure that they fully satisfy the eligibility requirements set out in section 14 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.
Do I need previous judicial experience?
No. Previous judicial experience is not essential. The Board welcomes applications from candidates with a range of legal backgrounds who can demonstrate the skills, qualities and competencies required for judicial office.
Can solicitors and advocates apply?
Yes. Eligible solicitors and advocates may apply provided they meet the statutory eligibility requirements for appointment.
Can I apply if I work outside Scotland?
Potentially. Applicants must meet the statutory eligibility requirements for appointment, including the requirement to be qualified as Scottish Solicitor or Advocate.
The Application Process
How does JABS encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants?
The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) is committed to ensuring that its selection processes are fair, open and accessible, and that all applicants receive equal treatment.
Under section 14 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, JABS must have regard to the need to encourage diversity in the range of individuals available for selection for judicial appointment. This duty does not affect how applicants are assessed. Under section 12 of the Act, selection and recommendation for appointment must be made solely on merit. Diversity therefore plays no part in the assessment or selection of candidates.
More information is available on the JABS website's diversity page.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the JABS online application system GetGot by the published closing date.
Before submitting an application, applicants must register for an account on the online application system. Once registered, applicants will be able to access the application form, save their progress and return to complete their application before submission.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to register and begin their application well in advance of the closing date to allow sufficient time to complete all sections of the application and resolve any technical issues that may arise.
How do vacancy selections work in the application form?
In Part 1, you must apply for at least one of the vacancies identified at the launch of the recruitment exercise, and which are detailed within the application form. You may apply for more than one vacancy.
In Part 2, you will be asked whether you wish to be considered for any additional vacancy that may arise during the lifetime of the recruitment exercise. If you select Yes, you will be asked to indicate the sheriffdoms, if there are any specific courts within your chosen sheriffdoms where you would not be willing to serve, and clarify if you are willing to take a Floating Sheriff Role”
There is no guarantee that additional vacancies will arise or be filled through this recruitment exercise.
What should I include in my application?
Applicants should provide clear and relevant evidence demonstrating how they meet the published criteria for appointment. Examples should focus on the applicant's own actions, decisions and achievements, explaining the context, the approach taken and the outcome achieved.
More information on the application process is available on the JABS Website.
Do I need experience in every area of law to apply?
Applicants should have the legal standing and experience required for appointment and be able to demonstrate the ability to perform the functions of the office of sheriff. This requires knowledge and experience of civil law and practice, as well as summary and solemn criminal law. Applicants who do not have knowledge or experience across all of these areas must be able to demonstrate an ability to acquire knowledge in unfamiliar areas of law and apply it effectively in practice.
How much detail should I provide?
Applicants should provide sufficient information to enable assessors to understand their experience and assess their suitability for appointment. The Board can only assess the evidence contained within the application form and applicants should not assume prior knowledge of their professional background.
What makes a strong application?
A strong application provides specific, evidence-based examples that clearly demonstrate the required skills, qualities and competencies. Applicants should focus on their personal contribution and explain how their experience relates to the published criteria.
Can I submit supporting documents?
Only documentation specifically requested as part of the recruitment exercise should be submitted. Additional material will not be considered.
Can JABS review my application before I submit it?
No. To ensure fairness and consistency for all applicants, neither the Board nor the Secretariat can review draft applications, advise on application content or comment on the examples applicants choose to include.
Can I amend my application after submission?
No. However applicants can save and amend their application at any point prior to its final submission.
What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?
Applicants experiencing technical issues should contact the JABS Business Management Unit (BMU) as soon as possible and, wherever possible, before the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application in advance of the closing date. Requests relating to late applications will only be considered in accordance with the Board's Late Applications Policy.
Can reasonable adjustments be provided during the recruitment process?
Yes. JABS is committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is accessible. Applicants who require reasonable adjustments should contact the BMU as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
Shortlisting
What is shortlisting?
Shortlisting is the stage at which the Selection Panel undertakes a detailed assessment of each candidates’ application forms and determines who will progress to the interview stage of the recruitment process.
How are candidates selected for progression?
Candidates’ application forms are assessed for evidence against the published criteria and only those who best demonstrate the skills, qualities and attributes required for appointment will progress.
More information is available on the JABS website.
Will my application be assessed anonymously?
To support fair and objective assessment, candidates' names will not be provided to assessors during the shortlisting stage.
Consultation Process
What is the consultation process?
Consultation is a structured assessment activity used by the Board to obtain additional evidence about applicants about their professional work and suitability for judicial office.
Why does JABS undertake consultation?
JABS may select an individual only on merit and if it is satisfied that the individual is of good character.
The consultation process provides additional evidence to assist the Selection Panel in their assessment of an applicant’s suitability for appointment.
Who may be consulted?
As part of the assessment process, JABS consults with a number of organisations about the candidates who are invited to interview and asked about character and professional conduct matters. Consultees include the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Law Society of Scotland, the Faculty of Advocates and Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.
Other consultees including the Lord President, Sheriffs Principal, President of the Scottish Tribunals or Presidents of the UK Tribunals (as appropriate) are asked for information regarding character, conduct and competence, including suitability for the judicial role being sought.
What type of information is sought through consultation?
Consultees may be asked to comment on matters such as professional competence, integrity, judgement, communication skills, temperament, interpersonal effectiveness and other qualities relevant to judicial office.
How is consultation information used?
Consultation evidence is considered alongside application evidence, interview performance and any other assessment information gathered during the recruitment exercise. No decision is made solely on the basis of consultation feedback.
Will I be able to see consultation responses?
Consultation information is confidential and is managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (“the 2018 Act”). Paragraph 14 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the 2018 Act provides exemptions from the requirement to provide information where personal data is processed for the purpose of assessing a person’s suitability for judicial office, which includes consultation responses and related documentation. Consultation information therefore cannot be released to candidates.
What happens if concerns are raised during consultation?
The Selection Panel will consider all evidence carefully and fairly. Where appropriate, applicants may be given an opportunity to address matters relevant to their application.
Interview and Assessment
What happens after shortlisting?
Candidates who are successful at shortlisting will be invited to an interview which will comprise other assessment activities such as case studies and scenario based questions.
What should I expect if I am invited to interview?
Candidates invited to interview will receive detailed information in advance about the assessment process, including the format, timings and any preparation required.
The selection process will generally consist of an interview including case study exercises. These assessments are designed to evaluate the skills, qualities and judicial attributes required for appointment as a Sheriff.
During the interview, candidates will be asked questions relating to their professional experience, legal knowledge and expertise, judgement, decision-making, communication skills, integrity and overall suitability for judicial office. Candidates should expect to draw on examples from their professional experience to demonstrate how they meet the requirements of the role.
The case study exercises will assess candidates' ability to analyse information, identify relevant issues, evaluate evidence, exercise sound judgement and communicate decisions clearly and effectively.
Further details of the interview and case study exercises will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance.
More information is available on the JABS website.
How should I prepare for interview?
Candidates should familiarise themselves with the role of a Sheriff, the published criteria and the evidence they have provided in their application. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their professional experience and judgement, demonstrate how they meet the published criteria and reflect on situations that illustrate their suitability for judicial office.
Candidates may also find it helpful to reflect on how they approach complex legal and factual issues, manage competing arguments, make decisions under pressure and communicate those decisions in a clear, fair and understandable manner.
Disclosure Scotland and Other Checks
What checks are carried out during the recruitment process?
The Board carries out a range of checks during the recruitment process to support its assessment of whether applicants are suitable for judicial office and of good character. These checks may include consultation, verification of professional standing, Disclosure Scotland checks, social media searches and any other enquiries considered necessary as part of the selection process.
What is a Disclosure Scotland check?
Candidates who are being considered for appointment will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. This is used to verify information relating to criminal convictions and other relevant matters, where appropriate, and forms part of the Board's assessment of good character and suitability for judicial office. Further information can be found in the Guidance Note.
Does JABS undertake social media checks?
Yes. As part of its assessment of suitability for judicial office and good character, the Board has engaged with a third-party, Giant Screening, to undertake searches of publicly available online information, including content on social media platforms, wider media checks and checks of other publicly accessible websites.
Why does JABS carry out social media checks?
Judicial office holders are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and conduct. Information that is publicly available online may assist the Board in assessing whether an applicant meets these expectations and is suitable for appointment.
What happens if concerns are identified through these checks?
The Selection Panel will consider all information carefully, fairly and in context. Where appropriate, applicants may be given an opportunity to comment on or clarify relevant information before any decision is made regarding their application.
Will I be informed if further information is required?
Yes. If additional information is required in relation to any checks undertaken as part of the recruitment process, the Board will contact the applicant directly and explain any next steps.
Decision-Making and Appointment
What happens after interview?
The Selection Panel will consider all assessment evidence gathered throughout the recruitment process and determine, on merit, which candidate best meets the requirements for appointment to each role.
More information is available on the JABS website.
How are appointment recommendations made?
The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland assesses applicants and makes recommendations to the Scottish Government in accordance with its statutory responsibilities. Scottish Ministers will consult with the Lord President prior to the First Minister making recommendations on appointments to His Majesty The King.
What checks are carried out before appointment?
Candidates recommended for appointment will be required to complete the necessary pre-appointment checks, which may include confirmation of eligibility, professional standing and other statutory requirements. JABS play no part in this process.
Will a reserve list be created?
No. A reserve list will not be established for this recruitment round.
What is the timescale for Appointment?
Once JABS has made its recommendations, our role in the process is complete. Formal appointments are then progressed by the Scottish Government and may take a number of months to finalise.
JABS currently expects to make recommendations to Scottish Ministers by the end of July 2027.
What training is available for newly appointed Sheriffs?
Newly appointed Sheriffs receive comprehensive induction, training and support delivered by the Judicial Institute for Scotland. Training is expected to take place in October 2027.
Feedback and Further Information
Will I receive feedback?
JABS is committed to providing feedback to applicants. The nature and extent of feedback available will vary depending on the stage reached in the recruitment process, the reasons for the outcome, and the size and scale of the competition. Information on the feedback arrangements for this recruitment exercise will be communicated during the competition.
Can I withdraw my application?
Yes. Applicants may withdraw their application at any stage by notifying the JABS mailbox.
What if my circumstances change during the recruitment process?
Applicants should notify the JABS Mailbox as soon as possible if there is a significant change in their circumstances that may affect their application or ability to participate in the recruitment process.
If I am unsuccessful, can I apply again in future?
Applicants who are unsuccessful are welcome to apply in future recruitment rounds, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. JABS provides feedback to support applicants in understanding the outcome of their application and to help them prepare for future recruitment exercises.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the recruitment exercise?
Questions regarding the recruitment process should be directed to the BMU using the contact details published within the candidate information pack and on the JABS website. The BMU can provide information about the process but cannot advise applicants on the content of their applications.
Can an appointed Sheriff still practice as a Solicitor or Advocate and sit on Tribunals?
You cannot practice as a solicitor or advocate whilst holding the full time Office of Sheriff. This is set out under Section 15 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. It is a matter for the Judicial Office for Scotland to consider if individuals serving in salaried judicial roles are able to hold, continue to hold, or apply for additional fee-paid Judicial appointments. Dual roles, whilst permitted are discretionary and subject to conditions of prioritisation of duties and that any additional work does not in any way interfere with their shrieval duties.