Observation Requests
The Guidance Note on the Attendance of Staff and others at Tribunal hearings (adjusted February 2021), providing information as to who may attend a tribunal (including observers) and specifying the protocol for seeking permission from the President to observe a tribunal hearing, has been updated. As from 1 January 2021, the Tribunal will require everyone, no matter their occupation, to seek permission in advance. The details of the revised procedure are contained in the attached guidance and will be reviewed after six months.
All hearing observation requests must be made via email to Fiona Queen, Executive Assistant to the President, at mhtspresidentsoffice@scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk, and should include the following information:
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date and time of the hearing
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casework reference number pertaining to the hearing
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observer's name and job title
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reason for the request; and
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(if applicable) who the observer is observing or working with.
A minimum of 2 working days' notice requires to be given to the President's Office for any observation request.
It should be noted that the President will not grant permission to observe a hearing to any person under 18 years of age or for the observation of Child/Adolescent hearings.