Volunteer with us
Being a Panel Member is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling roles anybody can have!
Jihad, Panel Member, Tayside
We need volunteers
We already have around 2,500 amazing people who volunteer to be part of the Children’s Hearings Scotland community, otherwise known as the Children’s Panel.
Our volunteers make sure that all Scotland’s infants, children and young people feel safe, loved, valued and respected. It’s an important role that is hugely rewarding, but we need more Panel Members.
If you can show compassion, empathy, trust and are a good listener, could you join them?
Applications are now closed for 2024, but register your interest to be the first to hear when they open again!
Being a Panel Member
Three Panel Members take part in each children's hearing, which can be held in person or virtually.
The role of a Panel Member is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact.
We offer a comprehensive training package that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to fulfil this important role. You can find out more about the learning and training dates on our training page.
Panel Members are appointed for a three-year period.
Panel Practice Advisers (PPAs)
We are currently recruiting for Panel Practice Advisers throughout Scotland. We’re looking for people who have good assessment, observation, interviewing and communication skills. Panel Practice Advisors (PPAs) observe children’s hearings and provide feedback to our Panel Members. They ensure we deliver the best outcomes for infants, children and young people. Full training is provided to support you in your role and enhance your skills.
You can apply via our application form or for more information please speak with our recruitment team.
Could you be a volunteer Panel Member?
Try our quick quiz to find out if you can apply.
What happens in a hearing?
If you are visiting us for the first time, you may have lots of questions about what the children's panel is and what we do.
Impact in your local area
62% of our Panel Members said 'I wanted to make a positive contribution to my local community', why not join them?
Being a supportive employer
A growing number of employers are committed to giving their employees time off work to volunteer.Find out more about how you can support CHS as an employer.
Your support network
There are nine Area Support Teams (ASTs) across Scotland supporting Panel Members at a local level.No matter what stage in your journey you are at with CHS, you will have support along the way.
