Removal of members
15.Paragraphs 14 to 17 deal with the removal of members from the Parole Board. Members may only be removed from the Board by order of a tribunal constituted under paragraph 16. This is to consist of either a Court of Session judge or a sheriff principal (who will preside over the proceedings), an advocate or a solicitor with at least 10 years’ standing, and one other person who is not an advocate or a solicitor.
16.The tribunal may only act if it has been requested to carry out an investigation by the Scottish Ministers. It may then only order a member’s removal if, following investigation, it finds that member unfit to continue to be a member of the Board by reason of inability, neglect of duty or misbehaviour.
17.The Scottish Ministers may make regulations to enable the tribunal to suspend a member from the Board during the investigation. These regulations may also make provision for the effect and duration of that suspension, and for any other matters pertaining to the tribunal, including the procedure to be followed by and before it, that the Scottish Ministers may deem appropriate.