Independent Medical Member – Mental Health Tribunal

Overview

Remuneration - Medical Member - Daily fee of £503.06

Location - Across Scotland

Number of positions - 15

Closing Date - 23.59 on 12 August 2026

Time commitment - Approximately 24 days per year

Appointment term - 5 years from date of appointment, with reappointment at the end of that term, subject to schedule 2 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (the 2003 Act)

Please do not apply via the Apply Now button on this page.

To request an application pack or obtain further information about this post please email mhts.recruitment
2026t

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 person is being detained in conditions of excessive security or is unlawfully detained.

Being a medical member is a significant role, ensuring that those who are believed to require compulsory care and treatment are afforded the highest standards of independent and impartial decision-making. In the conduct of its hearings, MHTS aims to maximise the opportunity for people to participate in key decisions about them.

We are particularly keen to recruit medical members to hear cases within the Aberdeen, Inverness and Dumfries and Galloway areas.

Successful candidates will be appointed by the Scottish Ministers, in accordance with the provisions of the 2003 Act. It is expected that Medical Members will commit around 24 days per year.

The appointment term will last five years, with members automatically reappointed, subject to the provisions of the 2003 Act (see in particular schedule 2, paragraph
4).

• Preparing for hearings by reading the papers and identifying any medical issues;
• Participating fully in the decision making of the three-person tribunal panel of which you are a member. You will explain medical terminology and technicalities and advise other panel members as required;
• Contributing to the tribunal’s written decision;
• Ensuring that parties, including those who may not be represented, can fully present their case and have it considered fairly;
• Ensuring decisions and any orders of the tribunal are made efficiently, effectively and fairly.