Martin McKenna Director of Tribunals Operations Based at: Mental Health Tribunal Scotland Bothwell House, Hamilton, ML3 0QA

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST I refer to your email dated 26 July 2017 in which you made the following request for information in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. I would like to make a Freedom of Information request for information contained in any recusals of members or chairs of tribunals, the numbers of recusal requests made to members of or chairs of tribunals, reasons for recusal request, whether request resulted in recusal or refusal to recuse, and any information contained in guidance, advice or discussions in relation to recusals of members or chairs of tribunals. The only information held by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service that falls within the description of your request is contained within guidance issued to judicial office holders. That guidance is the Statement of Principles of Judicial Ethics. A copy of this Statement can be found here. I hope you find this information of assistance. However should you feel dissatisfied with this response or the manner in which your request has been handled, the Act provides for a review process to be conducted. Should you wish to take advantage of this process you may apply in writing for a review. Your request should provide details of why you wish a review to be carried out and should be made within 40 working days of receipt of this letter to:The Freedom of Information Officer Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Saughton House Broomhouse Drive

Edinburgh EH11 3XD [email protected] Following that review should you still feel dissatisfied, you have the right to lodge an appeal with the Scottish Information Commissioner either online: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Unhappywiththeresponse/Appealingto Commissioner.aspx or at the following address:Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner Kinburn Castle Doubledykes Road St. Andrews FIFE KY16 9DS

Yours sincerely,

Martin McKenna Director, Tribunals Operations