SLAB deputy to step up as new chief executive
Colin Lancaster, director of policy & development and deputy chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, has been appointed as the next chief executive, the Board confirmed today.
Chosen following an open recruitment process, Mr Lancaster will succeed Lindsay Montgomery, who is retiring, from 1 September 2015.
He joined SLAB in 1997 having previously gained a law degree and then an MSc in policy studies at the University of Edinburgh. He also completed a PhD in social policy and socio-legal studies in 2002. Previously head of policy at SLAB, his remit as director has focused on improving the availability, quality and cost-effectiveness of publicly funded legal assistance, both civil and criminal. He is also responsible for compliance and solicitor investigations, SLAB's research and management information departments, equalities, the Civil Legal Assistance Office and SLAB’s substantial grant funding programme.
Iain A Robertson, chairman of SLAB, said Mr Lancaster "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 responded: “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.”
Congratulating Mr Lancaster on his appointment, Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, commented: “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.”