Job Description

THE SCOTTISH LAW COMMISSION

The Scottish Law Commission is an independent body established by the Law Commissions Act 1965 to recommend reforms that simplify, modernise and improve Scots law. Sponsored by the Scottish Government, it delivers programmes of law reform approved by Ministers, alongside projects referred directly by the Scottish or UK Governments. The Commission's current Eleventh Programme of Law Reform (2023-2027) covers a wide range of civil law topics and reflects its core purpose: producing clear, well-researched recommendations and draft legislation to support effective parliamentary scrutiny.

Commissioners - including the Chair - lead law reform projects supported by small multidisciplinary teams of legal staff and legal assistants. Work typically involves detailed legal research, engagement with stakeholders and advisory groups, publication of discussion papers for consultation, and the production of final reports with draft bills. The Commission has recently seen increased parliamentary implementation of its work, supported by processes designed to progress suitable bills efficiently through the Scottish Parliament.

The successful applicant will act as lead Commissioner for a major new project on limitation in personal injury cases, while also contributing to the collective oversight of all Commission recommendations. Commissioners play a key role in shaping legal policy, drafting papers, peer-reviewing colleagues' work, and representing the Commission externally. The role involves close collaboration within project teams, engagement with government and stakeholders, and participation in regular Commission meetings to guide the development of high-quality, impactful law reform.

Responsibilities

ROLE SUMMARY

The Chair shares collective responsibility with the other Commissioners for delivering the Scottish Law Commission's law reform functions, including shaping legal policy and drafting discussion papers and reports across all projects. As the Commission's public figurehead, the Chair represents the organisation in meetings with Ministers, Government, Parliament, and the Law Commission for England and Wales, and may at times speak to the media. A key part of the role is building relationships, promoting the Commission's work, and helping secure acceptance of its proposals.

Internally, the Chair leads formal Commission meetings, held roughly twice a month, and provides guidance across all ongoing projects. They will act as lead Commissioner for one or more projects - initially the Limitation (time-bar) project - taking primary responsibility for legal policy and drafting substantive sections of papers and reports. The Chair also plays a crucial role in reaching consensus where Commissioners hold differing views, and undertakes significant peer-review work on colleagues' projects.

The role requires strong communication, team-working, and a commitment to collaborative, consensus-based decision-making. While Commissioners work closely with the Commission's legal staff, they hold no line-management duties; staff are civil servants on assignment from the Scottish Government. Commissioners are accountable to the Chair, who conducts annual appraisals, while the Chair as a Ministerial appointee is accountable to Scottish Ministers. The Chief Executive oversees staffing, funding and organisational matters, supporting Commissioners in meeting the standards set out in the Principles of Public Life.

Further information

For further information about The Scottish Law Commission and the role, please contact Rachel Rayner, Chief Executive at rachel.rayner@scotlawcom.gov.uk. You can also find out more on the Scottish Law Commission Website.

Qualifications

REMUNDERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

The Chair retains his or her judicial salary and no further remuneration is paid. Where Commissioners require to travel in the course of their duties, costs will be reimbursed at the rates set in accordance with those payable within the Civil Service.

The Chair will be invited to an annual discussion with the Director of the Justice Directorate to discuss the work of the Commission and the particular projects he or she is leading. The Chair will also undertake a meeting with each Commissioner on an annual basis to discuss and appraise their performance with their individual objectives and their contribution to the Commission's effective and efficient delivery of its objectives. The Chair will make a written record of that discussion.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Judges who are interested in applying will be required to discuss their interest with the Lord President in relation to the impact on their judicial role in the first instance.

Applicants are required to submit a note of interest and include a CV of no more than 800 words.

Assessment will include a competency-based interview and a short presentation. The Selection Panel will ask you a series of questions which will invite you to provide examples of applying the criteria set out in the person specification for the role.

In respect of this post, applicants must meet both the Priority and Essential criteria:

Priority Criteria

1. Existing Judge
2. leadership

Essential Criteria

1. Communication and Influencing
2. Working co-operatively and collaboratively
3. Analysis and decision making

APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

Before you begin your application, please read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.

TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download and save the Applicant Information Pack and note of interest form.
2. Read the 'person specification' and 'how to apply' section in the pack.
3. Complete your note of interest.
4. Navigate back to this job advert and click 'apply'.
5. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
6. When prompted, attach your note of interest form (which should include your CV of no more than 800 words). Save and submit your application.

PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click 'submit'. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application.

Late applications cannot be considered by the panel.

Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage , are set out at pages 10 - 13 of the Applicant Information Pack.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Friday 20 February 2026.

ABOUT PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life, with different experiences and points of view are encouraged to apply for public appointments.

Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from protected characteristics and groups currently under-represented on Scotland's Public Bodies. These include women, disabled people, young people, black and minority ethnic groups and LGBTI+. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity .

If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at public.appointments@gov.scot.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Public Appointments - Guidance and Support for applicants
• FAQ's about the application process.