The Scottish Government

Vulnerable Witnesses Act (Scotland) 2004 - Phase 3 & 4 Implementation Steering Group - Civil Proceedings Sub Group

At its meeting on 30 May 2006, the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 Implementation Steering Group agreed that a Civil Proceedings sub-group be established to address the Steering Group's objective 'to advise on any secondary legislation required to implement the third and fourth phases of the Act to ensure that it is fit for purpose.' This section provides details of membership, remit, papers and minutes of the above group.

Remit

To bring together and draw on expertise amongst key stakeholders to:-

• Consult with an agreed network of key statutory and voluntary organisations in respect of the application of the Act to civil court proceedings in both the Sheriff Court and the Court of Session.
• Monitor and assist in the provision of 'in-house' procedures and guidance by key stakeholders to help practitioners with applying special measures introduced by the implementation of the Act in respect of civil court proceedings in both the Sheriff Court and the Court of Session.
• Advise on the production or amendment of generic practitioner guidance to complement 'in-house' procedures to add to the existing vulnerable witnesses practitioner guidance materials.
• Liaise and consult with an agreed network of key statutory and voluntary organisations, to identify and deliver awareness raising and promotional opportunities and activities.
• Advise on the production or amendment of generic user information booklets and promotional materials relevant to civil court proceedings in both the Sheriff Court and the Court of Session.

Membership

1st Meeting - 20 July 2006

2nd Meeting - 25 September 2006

3rd Meeting - 30 November 2006

4th Meeting - 20 February 2007