Children's panel recruitment

What is the Children's panel?

The Children's Panel is a group of specially selected volunteers who make the decisions about children who have been referred to Children's Hearings.

How do I become a Children's Panel member?

The recruitment drive for new members takes place in the autumn and advertisements are placed in local and national newspapers, libraries and community centres and are usually backed up with a television recruitment campaign.

The Children's Panel Advisory Committee then select potential Panel members through an information evening, a selection meeting and informal interview, and then a whole day workshop. The final appointment decision is taken by the Scottish Minister.

What happens if I am selected to become a Children's Panel member?

If you are selected as a Panel member, you will attend a comprehensive initial training programme in preparation to attend Hearings. As you serve on the Panel, you will attend further training and meetings to ensure that you are kept fully trained in order to participate in Hearings.

How much time should I expect to dedicate to Children's Panel duties?

After your initial training, you would usually be expected to attend two Children's Panel Hearings per month. In addition to attending the Hearings, you would need to prepare by reading the background reports before a Hearing. You will also need to undertake some in-service training to keep up to date with any changes in legislation and child care practices.

You may also need to visit children's homes. It is difficult to quantify the exact time you will need to set aside, as it may vary every month.

Will I be paid for being a Children's Panel member?

Panel members are not paid for their work, but can claim any travelling, subsistence and loss of earnings incurred.

Further information

If you are interested in becoming a Panel member, information packs are available by writing to:

Hazel Oliver
Law and Administration Services
Falkirk Council
Municipal Buildings
Falkirk
FK1 5RS
Tel: 01324 506117
Fax: 01324 506071
Email

Bill Gault
Chair of Stirling Children's Panel
c/o Clerk to the Children's Panel
Stirling Council
Corporate Services
Viewforth
Stirling
FK8 2ET
Tel: 01786 443377