SLAB announces next chief executive

Colin Lancaster has been appointed as the next chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), after an open recruitment process.

Iain A Robertson CBE, chairman of SLAB, said: “I am delighted to announce Colin Lancaster’s appointment as the new chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

“Colin, who is well known and respected as SLAB’s director of policy and development and deputy chief executive, brings a wealth of strategic, policy and operational experience which will be of great value in planning and implementing the future direction of SLAB.”

Mr Lancaster said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to lead SLAB in meeting the challenge of providing and improving access to justice, while keeping the cost affordable to the taxpayer.

“SLAB has committed and talented staff and I look forward to working with them and a wide range of external stakeholders to ensure that the organisation and its work to secure access to justice go from strength to strength, building on the progress made over recent years.”

Mr Lancaster will take up post on 1 September following the retirement of the current chief executive, Lindsay Montgomery CBE.

The Law Society of Scotland welcomed the news of Mr Lancaster’s appointment.

Law Society chief executive, Lorna Jack said: “I would like to congratulate Colin on his appointment as chief executive.

“The Scottish Legal Aid Board plays a vital role within our justice system. At a time of reducing public expenditure, it is crucial that the Board and Law Society work together with others to maintain an effective system of legal aid that always protects society’s most vulnerable and pays solicitors fairly for the hard work they carry out.

“We have worked with Colin for a number of years. His 18 years with the Scottish Legal Aid Board means he brings significant experience and a detailed knowledge of legal aid in Scotland, its strengths and weaknesses.

“Along with all of my colleagues at the Law Society, I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”