People across the Western Isles are being encouraged to become volunteer Children’s Panel Members and play a direct role in supporting children and young people at some of the most important moments in their lives.

Children’s Hearings Scotland has opened its latest national recruitment campaign, with applications welcomed from people aged 18 and over who can demonstrate empathy, compassion and strong listening skills.

Panel Members are volunteers drawn from communities across Scotland and do not need to come from a particular professional background.

Instead, the role depends on people being able to listen carefully, consider the circumstances facing a child or young person and make decisions that are in their best interests.

Children’s Hearings deal with situations where children and young people may require additional care, protection or support, placing their rights and wellbeing at the centre of the process.

Panel Members work together during hearings, listening to everyone involved before making legal decisions that can have a significant effect on a child’s future.

Children’s Hearings Scotland is particularly keen to ensure its volunteers represent the different communities they serve, making recruitment in places such as the Western Isles an important part of maintaining that local connection.

Successful applicants will not be expected to arrive knowing how the Children’s Hearings system works.

CHS provides a comprehensive training programme alongside ongoing guidance and support from an experienced team as volunteers prepare for the role.

Applications opened on Wednesday 26 August and will remain open until midnight on Wednesday 23 September.

People interested in finding out what becoming a Panel Member actually involves can also attend one of two online information sessions being held through Microsoft Teams.

The first takes place on Thursday 27 August from 6pm until 6.45pm, with another session scheduled for Thursday 17 September from 12.30pm until 1.15pm.

Participants will hear directly from a serving Panel Member about their experience, learn about the training and support available and receive information about the application process.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to apply.

For people considering volunteering but wondering whether they have the right background, the recruitment message is deliberately broad.

Panel Members come from all walks of life, with the qualities that matter centred on listening, compassion, sound judgement and a commitment to putting children and young people first.

Applications and further information about becoming a volunteer Panel Member are available through the Children’s Hearings Scotland website.

To reserve a place at one of the online Information Sessions, please visit www.chscotland.gov.uk

For further information about the recruitment campaign or the Children’s Panel in Eilean Siar, please contact Marina Macaulay (mmacaulay@cne-siar.gov.uk) (01851 822613).