Keith Brown

Mr Montgomery has substantial experience in the management, leadership and governance of public bodies. Past roles include director of resources at Scottish Natural Heritage, chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, deputy chair and later chair of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Chair of Community Justice Scotland and chair of the NDPB Chief Executive’s Forum. He was also chair of the Scottish environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Mr Montgomery has considerable experience and knowledge of the justice system in Scotland. In addition to his experience as chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, he is a visiting professor in the School of Law at the University of Strathclyde with focus on legal aid and access to justice.

He was a member of the Scottish Civil Justice Council, Scottish Government Justice Board and the National Criminal Justice Board. He has been a member of several policy and reference groups for various reviews of aspects of the justice system in Scotland, including Lord Gill’s review of civil courts, and Lord Carloway’s review of criminal law and practice. He has also carried out reviews of access to justice and legal aid in other jurisdictions for the Council of Europe.

This appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 January 2022 until 31 December 2025.