Vacancies

 CHAMBER PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL FOR SCOTLAND

Closing date noon on Friday 19 September 2025

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) invites applications from suitably qualified individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the judicial office of Chamber President of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for the following Chambers:

1) Local Taxation Chamber

2) Social Security Chamber

Chamber Presidents, along with the President of Scottish Tribunals, play a critical leadership role in the delivery of justice through the Scottish Tribunals. Chamber Presidents are responsible for the strategic development of the Chamber and in developing, representing and promoting the Chamber’s reputation and for ensuring that the business of the Chamber is discharged efficiently and effectively. They are expected to have sound leadership and management skills or the ability and aptitude to acquire these in office. They will sit at first instance on tribunals, often dealing with the more complex cases and will require a high level of legal skill and ability to do so effectively.

This is a challenging but rewarding role and a significant opportunity to contribute to justice in Scotland.

Remuneration

The roles are paid on a total daily fee. The current Chamber President of the Local Taxation Chamber total daily fee is £581.50. The current Chamber President of the Social Security Chamber total daily fee is £622.17. Travel and subsistence expenses will also be met in line with terms and conditions.

Offices

The Local Taxation Chamber is based in Bothwell House in Hamilton. The Social Security Chamber administration is based at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow, but there is available office space for the Chamber President in Edinburgh with the flexibility to operate from both locations.

Time Commitment

The time commitment is expected to be in the order of two to three days per week, depending on the volume of work of the tribunal. In addition, it is anticipated that there will be in the order of two days of training per year plus any Chamber specific additional training.

Application

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

·       Chamber President Role Profile prepared by the Judicial Office for Scotland, provides applicants with information about the role and the work of a Chamber President.

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

·       The Online Outreach Event recording on the JABS YouTube channel explaining the role and the recruitment process for this competition and the Q&A document from the event is available on the JABS website.

It is expected that the successful applicant will be appointed in March 2026, when they will commence the induction process with the Judicial Institute.

We encourage applications from people from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds. Lawyers from a variety of legal backgrounds are encouraged to apply. You do not have to hold a current judicial office or have direct experience of the areas of law dealt with in these tribunals to be considered for the roles. The key issue is that applicants are able to show that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the role and which are described in the application documents. 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 19 September 2025.