Children’s Panel needs volunteers

Bid to increase‘diversity’

people attending hearings is that they want to see more diversity on the national Children’s Panel.

“Whilst the average age of panel members has fallen in recent years, we know we need to do more.

“We also wish to increase diversity in terms of life experience that people across Scotland can bring to the role.”

Danielle, panel member in Central and West Lothian, said: “Everyone, regardless of their experience, age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity has valuable skills that can contribute to making a difference.

“It does not matter who you are, what you are, or what your background is, as long as you want to make a difference to a child or young person’s life being a volunteer panel member is the perfect role for you.”

To support recruitment, the campaign has been redesigned for 2019 with a focus on the types of qualities everyday people have and can bring to the role.

Boyd continued: “It is important that we reach as wide a range of people as possible because we need those who can relate to infants, children and young people and can make the very best decisions with and for them.

“This can be tricky for us as we know that there are some common misconceptions about being a panel member, such as you need a law degree or you have to have worked in children’s services.

“Neither of these is the case. You need qualities like empathy, compassion and the ability to listen.

Ap p l i c ations open on August 21, and close midnight on September 17.

To find out more about the role and what’s involved visit : www. childrenspanelscotland.org.