Contact Points
There is one contact point for each of the United Kingdom’s four legal jurisdictions. As each jurisdiction is separate there is no overlap in the work of these contact points who each have sole responsibility for the Network in their jurisdiction. Queries through the EJN should be directed to the relevant contact point for the jurisdiction concerned.
The contact point for Scotland works within the Scottish Government's EU office in Brussels. She can call on a number of colleagues when dealing with Network business. The work of the Network is combined with other tasks.
The functioning of the EJN in Scotland
There is no formal national network within Scotland. Within the Justice Directorate, however, a network of people who are experts in particular policy areas has been developed. The contact point can turn to these colleagues for answers to specific queries.
Contacts have also been developed elsewhere in the Scottish Government. The contact point turns to these individuals for advice or answers to queries relating to their work. The contact point also works with others outside of government, where relevant. Examples include the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates, the professional bodies representing respectively solicitors and advocates. The contact point has also established links with the representative body for enforcement officers, the Society of Messengers at Arms and Sheriff Officers (SMASO).
The most common way in which information is accessed and exchanged is by email. The contact point has also attended meetings in person.
The contact point ensures that relevant policy, administrative or other experts are consulted before relevant meetings of the Network. Notes of meetings and relevant action points are disseminated as appropriate.
Providing information
There is no national website for the EJN in Scotland. Information is provided through other existing sites. Reference is increasingly made to the e-Justice Portal. The contact point has worked with others who provide sources of information, including the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS). The SCTS website provides guidance to citizens about cross-border claims - in particular relating to the European Enforcement Order, European Order for Payment and European Small Claims Regulations. Opportunities are taken to raise awareness of the EJN and the pages of the e-Justice Portal at appropriate meetings and conferences and in relevant publications.