SDT Annual Report 2014-2015

This Annual Report covers the period 1 September 2014 to 31 December 2015. The Tribunal is adjusting its reporting in line with the calendar year, resulting in a 16-month reporting period in 2014-2015. The next Annual Report will become available in March 2017 covering the whole of 2016.

This Report contains comment from the former President of the Tribunal Andrew Spooner, who retired from that role on 3 February 2016, to be replaced by Edward Nally. Also included is the first contribution from new Solicitor Member Timothy Smith, appointed in October 2015 by the Master of the Rolls at the same time as 14 other Solicitor Members and 4 Lay Members. The new recruits are now sitting on their first SDT cases after a lengthy period of shadowing under the watchful eyes of their experienced Mentor Members. Biographical details of all Tribunal Members and staff can be found towards the end of the Report.

An analysis of case statistics and performance measurements for the period is also provided, enabling comparison with previous years.

The SDT continues to develop and refine its processes, particularly in the area of case management. Our updated website will be launched in the Summer 2016, and will include a number of enhanced features and even more information to assist service-users. We are putting the first steps in place to move away from a paper-heavy process and towards a paperless office. The website changes will help us to achieve that goal in the coming months and years. The starting point is that some forms will be available for completion online by Autumn 2016.

Please click SDT Annual Report 2014-2015 to access the document or go to our About Us – Annual Reports page. The PDF report is bookmarked for ease of navigation.