Volunteer with us

We need volunteers

We already have around 2,500 amazing people who volunteer to be part of the Children’s Hearings Scotland community, otherwise known as the Children’s Panel.

Our volunteers make sure that all Scotland’s infants, children and young people feel safe, loved, valued and respected. It’s an important role that is hugely rewarding, but we need more Panel Members.

If you can show compassion, empathy, trust and are a good listener, could you join them?

**Thank you for your interest in becoming a Panel Member!  We are currently experiencing high volumes of traffic to our application form which is resulting in delays in receiving registration emails.  If you have any questions with regards to this, please contact chsrecruit@chs.gov.scot or you can apply via our word application form NOW!** 

Being a Panel Member

Three Panel Members take part in each children's hearing, which can be held in person or virtually.

The role of a Panel Member is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact.

We offer a comprehensive training package that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to fulfil this important role.  You can find out more about the learning and training dates on our training page.

Panel Members are appointed for a three-year period.

Panel Practice Advisers (PPAs)

We are currently recruiting for Panel Practice Advisers throughout Scotland.  We’re looking for people who have good assessment, observation, interviewing and communication skills and, above all else, who care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people attending hearings in Scotland. Full training is provided to support you in your role and enhance your skills.

For more information please speak with our recruitment team