Annual Report 2010-11

The staff of the Inspectorate during the period of this report consisted of the Chief Inspector, two Senior Depute Legal Inspectors, a Management Inspector and a Personal Assistant.

Although the number of staff is modest (equivalent to 3.3 full-time staff) it is bolstered throughout the year as necessary by the recruitment of ad hoc inspectors to carry out specific tasks, particularly in relation to the examination of casework. These ad hoc inspectors are recruited for their particular knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system and the operation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in particular. They add flexibility to the staffing arrangements. They are a valuable, cost-effective additional resource at a time when budgets are under extreme pressure.

The Inspectorate continues to occupy premises at Legal House, Gorbals Street, Glasgow. As ever this central location puts the Inspectorate within easy travelling distance of a significant number of Procurator Fiscal Offices. In addition, video-conferencing technology was installed during the year and this has already proved invaluable in contacting offices and criminal justice partners in remote parts of Scotland. This will provide long term savings on travel and other costs.