Children's Hearings Scotland's National Convener has made a number of new appointments within Area Support Teams (ASTs) across Scotland over the course of the last month.

Central and West Lothian – Area Convener Don Lawrie took up his appointment as Area Convener from 1 January 2018. Don was previously Lead Panel Representative, a role he held since 2013.

Edinburgh – Area Convener Pat Hastings joined us on 9 January 2018 as Area Convener. She has previous experience of the Children's Hearings System in Edinburgh, first as a Panel Member for 17 years during which time she also served as Area Chair, and then as a Children's Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) Member.

South East Scotland – Area Convener On 1 January 2018, Aileen Hemming took up her role as Area Convener. Aileen was previously Chair of the Scottish Borders Children's Panel.

West Dunbartonshire – Area Convener Maureen McGlinchey, formally took on the role of Area Convener from 24 November 2017. Maureen had previously been Acting Area Convener for over a year, and before this was Depute Area Convener.

Over this period, we also said goodbye to three Area Conveners: Christine Cameron (Central and West Lothian); Diane Watt (South East Scotland); and Jean Raeburn-Warner (City of Edinburgh).

Children's Hearings Scotland, National Convener and CEO, Boyd McAdam said, "There is a regular flow of appointments to Area Support Teams across the country, and we are grateful to those who are taking up positions.

"I would particularly like to welcome to the leadership roles at Children's Hearings Scotland, Don, Pat, Aileen and Maureen. We look forward to working with you all over the course of the next year and into the future. I'd also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our outgoing Area Conveners for their support, hard work and dedication to Children's Hearings Scotland."

ASTs play a crucial role at Children's Hearings Scotland supporting Panel Members in their local area. We are currently recruiting for a number of AST role across Scotland.