Lay Member - Complaints Committee & Disciplinary Tribunal

Introduction

The Faculty of Advocates is the regulatory body for members of the Scottish Bar, regulating the conduct of all Advocates practising in Scotland.

The Faculty Complaints Committee and the Faculty Disciplinary Tribunal comprise both Members of Faculty and Lay Members appointed by the Scottish Government. A vacancy has arisen for a Lay Member and applications are invited from suitable persons interested in filling this interesting and challenging role.

Complaints about the conduct of Members of Faculty are made in the first instance to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (“SLCC”). If the SLCC considers that the complaint concerns the conduct rather than the professional services of a Member of Faculty then it is remitted to the Faculty for investigation and determination. The Faculty seeks to ensure that all such issues are dealt with consistently, fairly and efficiently via firstly the Complaints Committee and then, where appropriate, a Disciplinary Tribunal.

Lay Members will make up at least 50% of each body and can be asked to sit on either body in respect of a particular case. Lay Members would not however be asked to sit on both the Complaints Committee and the Disciplinary Tribunal in relation to the same case.

A lay member is not qualified as a legal professional and can bring expertise from other fields such as business, finance, healthcare, HR, or community engagement. The lay member is appointed to provide an external perspective, ensuring that committee discussions consider broader societal, ethical, or industry viewpoints. Their expertise in various fields promotes diversity, transparency, and public confidence in legal decision‑making.

Applicants will likely have an extensive track record in disciplines such as business or administration management, human resources or equivalent, with demonstrable analytical and problem‑solving skills. Previous professional complaint handling experience would be useful but not essential.

The Faculty is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, ethnicity, national origin. Particular encouragement is therefore given to applicants from minority groups.

Applications from Members of Faculty, past Members of Faculty or those in the legal profession cannot be accepted. Any connection with the Faculty, past or present, or other potential conflict of interest, must be disclosed.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a full disclosure check and demonstrate good character, with no unspent convictions. Appointments are made on an ad hoc basis, and no guarantee is made of involvement in cases with any regularity. Training will be given to successful applicants. Lay Members’ tenure is five years and may be renewed if appropriate. The Faculty Disciplinary Rules are in the process of being re‑drafted, and so the appointed person may require to undergo further training once the new Rules have been approved.

On average a Lay Member may sit around 3-5 days per year depending on the number of complaints to be dealt with.

The position is unremunerated but the Faculty does meet travel expenses for Committee and Tribunal meetings which are usually held in Edinburgh. Recently Committee meetings have been held by video conference and further use of this technology is likely in the future.

[1] other than for minor motoring offences