‘Morale crisis’ allegedly undermining Scottish government legal directorate

A morale crisis in the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD) is allegedly undermining the ability of lawyers to challenge ministers over government policies, The Herald reports.

An internal civil service survey reveals that only 47 per cent of staff have confidence in director Murray Sinclair, who assumed control in 2007.

Unnamed insiders speaking to the newspaper said staff were deeply unhappy with management and felt unable to speak up about policies.

One said: “There is a sense that if you challenge things you will be moved on. The expectation seems to be that the civil service will ‘deliver’ for ministers, rather than serve the public. There is a lot of unhappiness.”

Another told the newspaper: “These results really should not be so low. Ministers have published a very ambitious Programme for Government, which they are entitled to do. But there is so much coming down the line, which will involve legislative work and advice, and that is not even considering anything getting done in relation to Brexit.”

The Scottish government is reportedly trying to address the problems in the SGLD and has filled vacancies with temporary staff.