SCTS Service Excellence Awards Celebrated at Parliament Hall
On 10 June 2026, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) hosted its inaugural Service Excellence Awards in the historic setting of Parliament Hall in Edinburgh. The awards programme recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of SCTS staff who go above and beyond in their roles, making a meaningful difference to both the organisation and the people it serves, while consistently demonstrating the core values of Respect, Service and Excellence. The event brought together 18 finalists across six award categories.
Among the recipients was Gillian Hutton, who was recognised for her significant contribution to improving the MHTS process for checking notifications from medical professionals. Demonstrating initiative and innovation, Gillian developed a calculator/checking tool for team leaders when reviewing notifications of the continuation of compulsory treatment orders and compulsion orders. The tool automatically identifies whether a hearing must be arranged to review the extension. This is a complex process, with just under 3,000 such notifications received annually. Introducing automated checking should largely eliminate the occasional errors which crept in.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of casework, clerking and training, within the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland, Gillian worked collaboratively with operations colleagues and members of the judiciary to successfully implement the new calculator/checker. She also ensured the tool remained accurate and effective through ongoing refinement and support. In addition, Gillian also continued to deliver training across the Tribunal. Gillian has now taken up a new role within the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.
The event began with a lunch and networking session, followed by the main awards ceremony hosted by Bhavna Nair, Director of Education and Learning at SCTS. Attendees also heard from Malcolm Graham, Chief Executive of SCTS, and the Right Honourable Lord Beckett, Lord Justice Clerk, both of whom delivered short addresses before the award presentations. The day was a fitting celebration of the dedication and professionalism of SCTS staff.
Congratulations are extended to Gillian Hutton for her outstanding contribution to MHTS, with her work expected to have a lasting and positive impact on both casework teams and patients by ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency in the handling of applications.