A West Dunbartonshire children’s panel member admits he feels “privileged to be trusted with the details of people’s lives” as a new campaign is launched looking for volunteers.

Stephen Phillips revealed being a volunteer with Children’s Panel Scotland (CHS) has had a “profound” impact on him and urged anyone who wants to help change a life to sign up.

Stephen said: “The unique element of Scotland’s system is that your decision is based on papers that everybody reads and discussions that everybody hears and that we come to a decision in front of everyone.”

CHS, the organisation that recruits and trains panel members to serve at children’s hearings, are seeking a new intake of panel members and volunteers to help them serve in Scotland’s unique children’s hearings, which are legal meetings set up when there are concerns about the wellbeing or care of an infant, child or young person.

At each hearing, three panel members listen and make legal decisions with and for the infant, child or young person.

The panel member’s role includes making sure that the young person is at the heart of the decisions made.

Clydebank Post: The words are qualities that young people with experience of the hearings system have said are required in Panel Members.The words are qualities that young people with experience of the hearings system have said are required in Panel Members. (Image: Children’s Hearings Scotland/Andrew Perry or CHS/Andrew Perry.)

Elliot Jackson, national convener and chief executive of CHS, said: “Volunteering is so rewarding and you can really make a difference to young people in your area. It can also support your own personal development through the gaining of new skills such as leadership, decision-making, effective communication, influencing and negotiating.

“This campaign is based on what young people who have experience of children’s hearings are telling us they want to see in their Panel Members – qualities such as being trustworthy, compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.

“If you want to make a difference in your local community, I encourage you to take the opportunity this year to apply to join our wonderful volunteer community.”

Panel members must be 18 or over and are appointed for three years.

They receive comprehensive training leading to a Professional Development Award accredited at SCQF level 7 by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Hearings take place during the working week but as they are statutory tribunals, employers have a duty to allow reasonable time off to serve at them.

To learn more and apply, visit the Children’s Hearings Scotland website.