Children's Hearing Scotland

Children's Hearing Scotland home

Community Hub Login

Volunteer

Could I be a Panel Member?

Start the Quiz

Looking to join our community of amazing people who volunteer to be part of the Children’s Hearings Scotland? Take our quick quiz to find out if you can apply! 

Start

Unsure about volunteering?

Making that first step isn't always easy and we understand you might have some questions about volunteering.

You can take our quick quiz to see if it's a good fit for you, and we've pulled together a handy list of frequently asked questions too. We'd love to have you join our Panel Community!

We'd love you to apply another time

Sorry, but we can only accept applications if you're over 18.

What's the time commitment?

Children's hearings take place during the week and daytime hours. Panel Members usually go to either a morning or afternoon session twice a month.

If you work this usually means asking your employer for time off. You have the right to take time off work to sit on these hearings. This is because children's hearings are statutory tribunals (like jury duty).

You can read more about time off work for public duty in Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

As a trainee Panel Member you need to commit to a training programme. It involves:

  • a few evening sessions
  • some full days training
  • online study
  • assessments

While you develop your skills you'll be able to observe 1 or 2 children's hearings.

If you would like more information about the commitment needed, please reach out to the recruitment team 

We'd love you to join us

Fantastic!

We would love for you to apply to become a Panel Member and to join our community of like-minded volunteers, who are passionate about making a difference to children and young people in your local area.

Applications are now closed but you can register your interest and be the first to hear with they open in early 2026.  

If you need more information, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

Apply Now

We'd love you to apply another time

You can register your interest in becoming a Panel Member Volunteer in the future - we'd love you to do so, and you'll get updates and privileged early access to the application too.

If you are still have further questions about the role of a Panel Member please visit our frequently asked questions or contact the recruitment team.

Are you over 18?

You do need to be over 18 to become a Panel Member.  You can sign up to our newsletter and apply when you turn 18.  There is no upper age limit.

Please select one

Do you live or work in Scotland?

You need to live or work in Scotland to be eligible. If your circumstances change, we would be happy to hear from you.

Please select one

Which of the following best describes your current employment

Please select one

Can you commit to two half-days per month?

Hearings take place during the week and on average you'd need to be able to commit to two half-days in a month.

If you would like more information about the commitment needed, please reach out to the recruitment team or see our frequently asked questions.

Please select one

Do you want to support infants, children and young people in your local area?

Please select one