The Normand Report (2003) examined the aims and objectives for the criminal justice system. One of its key recommendations was the creation of National and Local Criminal Justice Boards.
The National Board makes recommendations on the overall aims, objectives and targets for the system and monitors the performance of the system as a whole. Scotland's 11 Local Boards provide for efficient joint working and oversight of the performance of the system at the local level.
Membership
The National Board is chaired by Robert Gordon, Director-General, Justice & Communities. Its membership includes Scotland's key criminal justice organisations.
Membership of the Local Boards is along similar lines at the local level, although the majority of the Boards maintain a core group of members comprising the Sheriff Principal (Chair), the Area Procurator Fiscal, the Court Service Sheriffdom Business Manager and the local police representative. Several of the Local Boards also have a co-ordinator to assist with Summary Justice Reform.
Meetings
The National Board usually meets three times per calendar year. Meeting cycles for Local Boards are determined at the local level, however the majority of the Boards meet on a similar cycle to the National Board, usually 3-4 times per year.