How we train volunteers
As a trainee Panel Member, you must be committed to comprehensive training which normally takes place over a three-month period.
Our training takes place over five days, in person and remotely with our CHS Learning Academy. Pre-Service Training is held every second week. In addition, there is a commitment of approximately eight hours of learning per week during that three-month period.
Having fully qualified as one of our Panel Members you will be expected to maintain your skills through training courses, as well as local learning and development sessions. Training sessions are normally held in the evenings or at the weekends, or through our online portal.
The skills you will gain
Your training and experience as a Panel Member equips you with a range of transferable skills. These include: dealing with complex issues and communicating these with empathy and compassion when working with children, young people and families; principles and practices within the children’s hearings system, including law and procedure; chairing hearings; decision making and protecting rights. Other skills you learn are:
- Leadership
- Team Working
- Effective Communications
- Analytical Thinking
- Influencing & negotiating
- Decision Making
- Managing Conflict
Panel Member Testimonial
“Every day is a school day” – the regular training always delivers something new and when working with families you often hear things that make you say ‘I’ve not thought of that before’.”Julie Cox, Panel Member, South Lanarkshire
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.
