PEOPLE in North Ayrshire are being asked to consider applying for a volunteer role as a panel member with Children's Hearings Scotland.

Panel members are required to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children, and young people in the community.

They will also gain an SQA certified professional development award through the Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) dedicated Learning Academy, which works in partnership with West Lothian College.

Elliot Jackson, national convener and chief executive of Children's Hearings Scotland, said: “Scotland has an ambition to be the best place in the world to grow up, to make sure all children are loved, safe, respected and able to fulfil their full potential.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

“For some children and families, the Children's Hearings System has a significant role to play in this ambition. Children’s Hearings couldn’t operate without volunteer Panel Members making decisions with and for children and young people.

“This campaign comes at an exciting time of growth and change at CHS and is totally centred on what young people who have experience of children’s hearings, are telling us they want to see in their Panel Members.

“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 unique volunteer community.”

Applications are available to those aged 18 and over, opening on September 1 and closing on midnight of October 6.

Currently, there are 2,500 volunteer panel members who have helped 8,977 children and teens through 16,248 hearings across Scotland from 2020-2021.

To apply for a position as a panel member click here.