SCOTTISH CRIMINAL CASES REVIEW COMMISSION

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD ON FRIDAY 29 MAY 2026

10:00 AM, HYBRID MEETING (OFFICE & VIDEO CONFERENCE)

FOR DISCLOSURE VIA THE PUBLICATION SCHEME

In line with the Commission’s Disclosure policy, various paragraphs may have been edited or deleted from these minutes as the information contained therein relates to specific case information and/or personnel-related matters. Where the summary of discussion has been edited or the names have been deleted, this is indicated at the start of the relevant paragraph or section.

Present:

  • Dr Vanessa Davies (Chair) – office
  • Dr Alex Quinn – office
  • Miss Alyson Forbes – office
  • Ms Jacqueline Fordyce – video conference
  • Mrs Gillian Mawdsley – office
  • Mrs Suzie Mertes – office
  • Mr Finlay Young – video conference
  • Ms Laura Reilly – office

Also Present:

  • Miss Frances McMenamin KC – video conference
  • Mr Michael Walker, Chief Executive – office
  • Mr Chris Reddick, Director of Corporate Services (minutes) – office

 

Section 1: Governance Matters (edited)

1.1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

1.2 Conflicts of Interest/Declarations of Interest/Gifts & Hospitality

Members were asked to declare any known conflicts of interests or gifts and hospitality.

Dr Davies confirmed that she had attended a Civic dinner in Glasgow, hosted by the Glasgow City Fathers, to mark the Supreme Court’s visit to Glasgow on the week of 25 May 2026.

Dr Davies confirmed that she and Mr Walker had attended a Q&A event hosted by Lady Rose at the Merchants House of Glasgow on 20 May 2026.

There were no other conflicts of interest or gifts and hospitality declared.

1.3 Minutes of Board meeting held on 24 April 2026

The Board approved the minutes of the Board meeting held on 24 April 2026, subject to minor amendment. The Board also approved the version of the minutes for the Publication Scheme, subject to minor amendment.

1.4 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

1.5 Board Actions List

The Board noted progress on previously agreed Board actions.

 

Section 2: Case Matters (edited)

2.1 Monthly Case Summary:

Mr Walker confirmed that a total of 53 new applications had been received since 1 April 2026. Given the continued significant increase in stage 1 cases, Mr Walker provided an overview of the stage 1 process and highlighted some suggested procedural changes which may assist manage case volumes. After full discussion, the Board agreed to maintain the stage 1 process in its current form. Dr Davies asked Members to record and monitor their time spend on stage 1 cases over the next 3 months so that the impact of the increasing volumes could be further considered.

2.2 – 2.4 There were no cases in these categories.

2.5 One request for extension of time was received since last meeting of the Board. This was granted for a further four weeks.

2.6 – 2.8 There were no cases in these categories.

 

Section 3: Proposed Referral Cases (edited)

The Board considered two statements of reasons in this category. After full discussion it agreed to refer the cases to the High Court.

 

Section 4: Proposed Interim Cases (edited)

The Board considered one statement of reasons in this category. After full discussion it agreed not to refer the case to the High Court.

 

Section 5: Proposed Supplementary Cases (edited) 

The Board considered one statement of reasons in this category. After full discussion it agreed not to refer the case to the High Court.

 

Section 6: Stage 1 Pre-acceptance Cases (edited)

A total of 25 new applications were considered, and the following decisions were made:

1 case Accepted for a review of conviction and sentence.
1 case Accepted for a review of conviction.
12 cases Rejected: in each case there were no plausible or stateable grounds of review.
1 case Rejected: the application was incompetent.
8 cases Rejected: in each case the applicant had not appealed and there were no plausible or stateable grounds of review.
1 case Rejected: the applicant had not appealed.
1 case Rejected: the grounds of review were a repeat of the grounds of appeal.

Ms Fordyce left the meeting in respect of one case, having previously declared a conflict of interest, and therefore took no part in its consideration.

 

Section 7: Management Issues (edited)

7.1 Chair’s Report

7.1.1    Dr Davies thanked Miss McMenamin KC for organising Lady Rose’s visit to the Commission on 20 May 2026 which had been a very successful afternoon. She also thanked Members for their attendance and participation. Mr Walker confirmed that a letter of thanks would be issued to Lady Rose on behalf of the Commission.

7.1.2    Dr Davies noted that correspondence had been received in respect of compensation regarding Horizon/Capture cases and that this would be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

7.1.3    Dr Davies confirmed that she was currently dealing with a formal complaint raised by a previous applicant and that a response would be issued directly.

7.1.4    Dr Davies noted that Neil Gray MSP had been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs and confirmed that an invite should be extended to him to visit the Commission.

7.2 Chief Executive’s Report

7.2.1    Mr Walker also provided the Board with an update on the following matters:

  • He reported that the SLCC had issued their decision on 27 April 2026 in respect of the complaint raised against him by a previous applicant, confirming that the complaint was deemed to be without merit and the matter was now closed.
  • He reported that he had attended a Judicial Institute lecture on Artificial Intelligence on 30 April 2026.
  • He reported that he had attended a meeting with the CCRC’s new Interim Chief Executive, Ms Tracey Calleia, on 1 May 2026 and discussed issues of mutual interest.
  • He reported that a petition for Judicial Review in one case had been received on 11 May 2026 and this was currently with SLAB.
  • He confirmed that the Commission’s 2026-27 Budget Allocation letter had been received on 12 May 2026, with Mr Reddick providing Members with a summary of the key points within the budgetary allocation.
  • He reported that he and Mr Reddick had attended a quarterly sponsorship meeting with Justice Directorate on 13 May 2026 and provided an overview of the main points of the agenda.
  • He reported that Scottish Government had issued correspondence to public bodies on 15 May 2026 regarding the retention of grooming gangs information.
  • He confirmed that he had attended a talk by Lord Doherty on 19 May 2026 as part of the Supreme Court’s visit to Scotland.
  • He confirmed that he had concluded all staff annual appraisals and provided Members with a brief summary.

7.2.2    Mr Fenn and Miss Marsh joined the meeting to provide a brief update in respect of S274/275 cases. Mr Fenn confirmed that he had received an update from counsel confirming that they intended to submit a case, with another one being received this week. He also confirmed that they had written to the top 15 legal aid firms regarding their intentions to submit these types of applications.

7.2.3    Mr Walker confirmed that any subsequent feedback on likely case volumes would be discussed with Scottish Government and issues regarding resource planning and impact would be considered.

7.3 Court Decisions

There were no court decisions.

7.4 Correspondence:

  • Mr Reddick provided a summary of correspondence received from an applicant regarding Board conflicts of interest and their case. He noted that a large part of the correspondence was factually incorrect. Dr Davies confirmed that a reply would be drafted, specifically pointing out these inaccuracies and providing the individual with information on the Commission’s system for identifying and declaring conflicts of interest.

SG Governance Hub Information Sheet

Mr Reddick confirmed that this had been issued to Members for information, noting that they could all access the training resources referred to.

7.5 Notification by Members of non-case related work

There was no non-case related work notified by Members.

7.6 Training & Development

 Mr Walker confirmed that all legal officers had now finished their risk management training since the last meeting of the Board.

7.7 2026-27 Business Plan – C Reddick

 Mr Reddick confirmed that the updated version of the 2026-27 Business Plan had been circulated for approval, noting that the previously agreed updates to business plan objectives had been actioned. After full discussion, the Board approved the 2026-27 Business Plan, subject to minor amendment and update.

 

Section 8: Concluding Matters

8.1 Any Other Competent Business

There was no other competent business.

8.2 Date of Next Meeting

  • Audit Committee – Thursday 25 June 2026 @ 10:30
  • Board Meeting – Friday 26 June 2026 @ 10:00
  • Policy Meeting – Friday 24 July 2026 @ 10:00
  • Board Meeting – Friday 31 July 2026 @10:00

 

C Reddick

16 June 2026