Midlothian

Clerk contact details

If you have any queries, or would just like to chat to someone about volunteering in the Children’s Hearings System, please contact the Clerk for South East Scotland:

Name: Alex Kerr
Email: akerr2@eastlothian.gov.uk

Being a Panel Member in South East Scotland

As part of your role as a Panel Member in South East Scotland you will be expected to commit to sit on two children’s hearing sessions every month and also to attend all local learning and development opportunities wherever possible (seven evenings per year). Local training will focus on local services available to families and practice issues particular to South East Scotland. These events also provide you an opportunity to meet with fellow Panel Members outside the hearings centre to cement friendships and build upon support networks. 

Hearings schedule

South East Scotland Area Support Team (AST) consists of three local authorities - East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. 

Prospective Panel Members are expected to live and/or work within the geographical boundaries of one local authority area but may have the opportunity to sit as a Panel Member in any areas within South East Scotland.

The AST is looking for Panel Members to have flexibility around the actual days and the number of hearings that they can sit on. The days on which hearings are held in Midlothian are currently Monday afternoon and Thursday morning.

We encourage applications from anyone within our community. If you have any questions about the application form and want to discuss before completing it, please contact Alex Kerr on alex.kerr@chscotland.scot.

Mentors/Buddies

As a new Panel Member you will be allocated a Buddy to offer support, guidance and answer questions. Every buddy holds a wealth of knowledge and understanding from their own time as a Panel Member and is keen to help and assist you to get the best from your experience.