Tribunals Options Seminar
(10 February 2009)
On the 12 January 2009 the Scottish Committee held a seminar in order to provide stakeholders with a platform for discussion on the first stage Philip Report which considered the options for the future administration and supervision of tribunals in Scotland.
This was a very worthwhile and informative event which was well received by the attendees.
A brief summary of the points arising from stakeholders discussions are listed below:
- There is a need for change
- There should be clarity about what it is exactly that it is intended to achieve
- There was general support for a solution within Options 4 and 5
- There is a need for better understanding of these Options
- In particular variations of these Options should be considered
- Lessons should be learned from the recent reform of GB tribunals: that model of reform should not be followed blindly
- A 'top-down' approach to reform should be avoided
- An incremental approach to reform will be preffered
- Specialist tribunals (e.g. Children's Hearings) and specialisms built up within tribunals should not be lost
- Retention of local knowledge within certain tribunals is essential
- Consideration should be given to and connections made with other areas of reform such as the Courts
- There should be links between a tribunal system, ombudsman and the Courts
- There should be an assessment made of the appropriate level of support for tribunals
- Such support should include resource funding and training
- A start should be made now and will require good management and leadership from government, the judiciary and tribunals
The Scottish Committee remains actively involved in the discussions surrounding the creation of Stage 2 of the Philip Review. Once the Reoprt is published, the Committee will consider if there is a need to host an event to facilitate further discussion.
Scottish
Cymru / Welsh
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