Volunteer Orkney Children's Panel members needed

Are you passionate about protecting the rights of young people and working to achieve the best possible outcomes for them and their families?

Children’s Hearings Scotland is looking for enthusiastic people to join the Orkney team as volunteer Panel members.

An online information session will take place on Tuesday 1 February at 7pm where anyone interested in the role can speak to panel members and get a better feel for the role.

Children’s Panel members are part of the Children’s Hearings system. The Scottish Government fund the system and Children’s Hearings Scotland support the 3,000 volunteers throughout Scotland. The Children's Hearing System is part of Scotland's care and justice system and as a panel member you have an important opportunity to intervene appropriately to protect and ensure the wellbeing of young people.

Panel members take part in Children’s Hearings. With two other Panel members, you will get written and spoken information from the young person, their family, Social Work and anyone else who needs to be involved. The information is to help you decide what is in the best interest of the young person at this point in their life – to ensure they are safe, loved, valued and respected.

It is a rewarding role that is recognised and valuable to children and the community. You do not need any formal qualifications as full training will be given. To fulfil your role and make good decisions you need to be a good listener, compassionate, empathetic and trustworthy. You need to be able to relate to young people who are often in chaotic and difficult circumstances. You need to able to read and understand sometimes detailed reports. Digital training will be provided as part of the training.

You can apply at www.chscotland.gov.uk

To register for the Information Session and receive an invitation to the event (which will be held via Microsoft Teams) please email Annette Feeney.

The closing date for panel member applications is Wednesday 9 February 2022. Interviews will be held weeks beginning 28 February and 7 March.