How we recruit volunteers

Panel Members

Children’s Hearings Scotland would not function without our dedicated volunteers. Every year we recruit new volunteers to join us as Panel Members. They are appointed for a period of three years, and they can then request to be reappointed for another three years. 

Hear from our Panel Members about why you should volunteer as a Panel Member.

Area Support Teams

Area Support Teams are made up of:

• Area Convener – leads the Area Support Team and works with partners at a local level.
• Depute Area Convener – supports the Area Convener and manages any complaints and concerns.
• Learning and Development Coordinator – organises Panel Member development at a local level.
• Panel Practice Advisor – maintains the high quality of our Panel Member practice through observation at hearings and feedback. In some areas there will also be a Lead Panel Practice Advisor. 
• Panel Representative – a local point of contact for Panel Members, offering wellbeing support, and representing their interests in the Area Support Teams. In some areas, where there are more than one Panel Representative, there will also be a Lead Panel Representative.

Each of our volunteer AST roles above may also be involved in the recruitment process and selection of new Panel Members.

Find out more about volunteering with us. 

Hear from Ian, Area Convener in Orkney, about why he volunteers.