We're excited to launch our annual recruitment campaign seeking new volunteer Panel Members across Scotland who will make decisions in the interests of infants, children and young people at children's hearings.

Young people at heart of campaign

The campaign is being advertised across TV, radio, print media, bus backs, train station adverts and social media. It will run until noon on Monday 30 September.

Young people with lived experience of the hearings system have helped to shape the recruitment campaign, which focuses on the qualities young people want to see in Panel Members. The advertising features children and young people and three-dimensional representations of the words ‘listening’, ‘trust’, ‘compassion’ and ‘empathy’.

Minister's message

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Natalie Don-Innes MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said: ‘Panel Members make important decisions that change young people’s lives for the better, which means this is an extremely rewarding role.

‘I hope people from all walks of life will think about joining Scotland’s unique hearings system, helping Scotland to keep the Promise that our country will be the best place to grow up.’

Ms Don-Innes also recorded a video message to support the campaign, which will be shared across social media channels. 

Comprehensive training and support

Anyone interested in becoming a Panel Member can find out more and apply at the CHS website. Appointments are for a three-year term initially.

All volunteers receive comprehensive training before sitting on their first panel and are supported by CHS experts, including local volunteer Area Support Teams, throughout their time as a volunteer.

Davinder Bedi, a serving Panel Member in Glasgow, says: ‘Being a Panel Member gives me a sense of “giving back”, takes me outside of my own sphere and exposes me to a rich and diverse range of cultures, people and issues.

‘It’s both rewarding and humbling, and I’d say it has made me a more understanding individual.’

'Children need you'

Elliot Jackson, National Convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: ‘No matter where you are in Scotland, and whatever your background, if you are compassionate, empathetic, a good listener and can build trust then I encourage you to apply to join our wonderful Panel community.

‘Scotland’s children, young people and their families who need our protection most, need you.’