Annual Report for the Year ending 31 October 2025

I am pleased to present the SSDT Annual Report for the year to 31 October 2025. The caseload of the SSDT continues to be varied and challenging. There were no appeals against SSDT decisions during the year.

The SSDT plays an integral part in the regulation of solicitors in Scotland. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 received the Royal Assent on 27 June 2025. Prior to its enactment, the SSDT was actively involved in full consultation regarding the proposed changes affecting the SSDT and those who appear before it. The full impact of these changes will become clear in the fullness of time. Meanwhile, the SSDT will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to meet the overall objectives of the 2025 Act.

After many years of research, open consultation and debate, the SSDT voted in late 2025 to change the Standard of Proof in cases of professional misconduct from “beyond a reasonable doubt” to “the balance of probabilities”. This was a momentous decision. The SSDT is unique in its function and although other similar bodies have previously imported a similar change, the decision was made with the SSDT’s circumstances in mind.

Last year, I reported on the new SSDT procedural rules, effective from 1 September 2024. These have been well received and are practically effective. It will be necessary to further update these rules in view of the 2025 Act and the change in standard of proof.

During the year, Ben Kemp left the SSDT, having been an experienced Solicitor member and Vice Chair for many years. We thank Ben for his significant contribution during his period of office and wish him all the best.

Chris Mackay was re-appointed as Vice-Chair and Mark Hastings was newly appointed as Vice Chair. They bring valued experience to the role, and we thank them for assuming important additional responsibilities within the SSDT.

This will be my final report as Chair of the SSDT as my term of appointment ends in June 2026. I wish to thank all members for their diligent work over the years.  I also express my sincere thanks to the Tribunal Office staff for their unfailing dedication to the provision of such excellent support.

It has been an honour to represent the SSDT as Chair since 2021 and I wish my successor well.

Colin Bell

Chair