Children’s Hearings Scotland would like to say a huge congratulations to our National Convener and Chief Executive, Boyd McAdam, as it is announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List that he will receive an OBE for services to young people in Scotland.

We are also delighted that Julia Lorrain-Smith from our South East Scotland Area Support Team has also been recognised with an MBE.

Boyd said, “Our volunteers are the cornerstone of Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System and it is an honour for me to lead Children’s Hearings Scotland.  

“It is a real privilege to work with our volunteer community to improve the outcomes of our children and young people in Scotland. Over the 22 years I have worked in and around the Children’s Hearings System I have seen it change, respond and improve.

“I look forward the future as in Scotland we develop further the way in which we care for our children and young people. And, to how we all work together to ensure that the experience of those coming to children’s hearings is the best it can be. It’s an exciting time of development and review in Scotland. I am grateful to have served in a role where I can work to make a difference and greatly value to award of this honour.

“I am also delighted that Julia has been honoured today. Julia has been a stalwart of the system first in Midlothian and latterly in the South East Scotland Area Support Team.  She has given over 40 years volunteering in various roles in the Children’s Hearings System, and I am so pleased to see her recognised in this way.”

Children’s Hearings Scotland Board Chair, Garry Coutts adds, “On behalf of everyone at Children’s Hearings Scotland, I would like to say a massive congratulations to both Julia and to Boyd! Children’s Hearings Scotland is a relatively new organisation, and through Boyd’s leadership, we have seen it grow and develop putting children and young people at its very heart, and Julia epitomises the volunteer contribution which underpins children’s hearings.”

Children’s Hearings Scotland recruits, trains and support volunteer Panel Members for Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System. Our aim to ensure that Panel Members are equipped and supported to make the best possible decisions with and for Scotland’s children and young people. There are around 3,000 volunteers contributing across Scotland either as Panel or Area Support Team members.