A new campaign is under way to recruit volunteers for Scotland’s unique Children’s Hearings System, which supports the care and protection of children and young people across the country.
Children’s Hearings Scotland is appealing for new Panel Members to join its volunteer community, including in Shetland, where 77 hearings were held during the 2024/25 period.
The hearings are legal meetings arranged when there are concerns about the wellbeing, safety, or care of a child or young person.
Each panel is made up of three trained volunteers who make decisions with and for the young person at the centre of the case.
There are currently around 2,200 volunteer Panel Members across Scotland, including 220 in the Grampian and Northern Isles region.
Of those, ten are based in Shetland.
Laura Mearns, Tribunal Delivery Manager for Grampian and Northern Isles at Children’s Hearings Scotland, said the system relied on people from all walks of life who wanted to make a difference.
“The Children’s Hearings System helps children and young people who need care and protection,” she said.
“The Panel Community is a diverse group of people who make informed, legally binding and often difficult decisions that impact the lives and futures of children and young people.”
Volunteers receive full training before taking part in hearings, and are supported throughout their time in the role by a network of local Area Support Teams and CHS staff.
“Our volunteers tell us that serving in the hearings system is an exceptionally rewarding experience, and we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to make a difference in young people’s lives,” said Ms Mearns.
Children’s hearings are a uniquely Scottish approach to child protection and care, focusing on supporting the young person rather than punishment.
They aim to put the child or young person’s voice at the centre of decision-making.
An information session for anyone interested in becoming a Panel Member is taking place this evening, Tuesday 23 September, at Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick.
The session begins at 6.30pm and includes a short presentation.
There is no need to register in advance.
Those unable to attend can find more information and register their interest at www.chscotland.gov.uk, or by contacting Anne Cogle, Clerk to the Children’s Panel in Shetland, at anne.cogle@chscotland.scot.
