CHILDREN’S Panel Role Offers Chance To Make A Difference

INVERCLYDE Children’s Panel is on the lookout for people to fill a key role in helping to make a positive impact in the lives of the area’s young people.

The body, which is run in partnership by the Inverclyde Council and Children’s Hearings Scotland, is searching for panel practice advisors who will be responsible for selecting and recommending panel members for appointment.

They also regularly observe panel members within children’s hearings and provide feedback so improvements can be made.

Their goal is to support panel members to ensure the strongest possible decisions are being made for children and young people.

People with good assessment, observation and communication skills are needed for the voluntary role.

A virtual information evening will take place on Tuesday 25 May from 6.30 to 8.30pm. For further details and to take part email ChildrensPanelRecruitment@inverclyde.gov.uk.

Maureen Quinn, area convener for Inverclyde Children’s Panel, said: “This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our children and young people by directly influencing those who makes crucial decisions on their behalf.

“We’re always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in joining Inverclyde’s panel community and I encourage anyone who can spare some time, particularly for the role of panel practice advisor, to visit the website to find out more about it and apply.

“It’s so rewarding to be involved with Inverclyde Children’s Panel, knowing the decisions you’re involved in will help make a difference to the lives of young people.

“But its work cannot function without the help and dedication of volunteers and we’re grateful to all those who give up their time to support our children and young people.”

Ideal candidates should be enthusiastic and committed to securing the rights of children and young people and improving their outcomes and experiences, able to lead and be part of a team, be a strong communicator, and be familiar with working with volunteers.

Full training is provided with the aim of enhancing skills in leadership, effective communication, managing conflict and influencing and negotiating -– all of which are transferable into the workplace.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, is a former children’s panel member and is the current local authority representative on the district’s area support team (AST), which provides support to the children’s panel.

He said: “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the children’s panel makes on our young people.

“We have a proud reputation here in Inverclyde of being a caring and compassionate place and the children’s panel and its volunteers are wonderful examples of that.”

The children’s panel is a legal system which is unique to Scotland, operated in local authority areas throughout the country to make important care and justice decisions for infants, children and young people in need of care, protection and support.

The majority of cases deal with safety and welfare and making decisions which support the wellbeing of youngsters.