Annual Report 2012-13

This consists of a number of ex officio members, invited members and two lay members recruited by public advertisement.

Its primary function is to provide advice on the work programme of the Inspectorate and to keep under review the working relationship between the Inspectorate and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

The Group meets every four months and currently consists of:

Colin Troup, Legal Secretary to the Lord Advocate (Chairman)

Joe O'Donnell, HM Chief Inspector

Catherine Dyer, Crown Agent and Chief Executive, COPFS

Catriona Dalrymple, Head of Policy, COPFS

Keir Starmer, Director of Public Prosecutions, England and Wales

Claire Loftus, Director of Public Prosecutions, Republic of Ireland

Marsha Scott, Principal Officer for Health, Policy and Planning, West Lothian Council

Tim Huntingford and Rosemary Llewellyn (lay members)

The Inspectorate is well served by the Group, having the heads of two external prosecution systems provides a useful external perspective for the Inspectorate, its work and its manner of operation helping it to achieve a balanced view against real world issues.

The Inspectorate's approach is risk based in the selection of topics for inspection and having two external lay members (with considerable experience in the field of criminal law and inspection) also greatly assists in input into the choice of topics.