New members are being sought for Inverclyde Children’s Panel to help improve the lives of the area’s young people.

Inverclyde Council, in partnership with Children’s Hearings Scotland, are on the lookout for volunteers from all walks of life to join the local panel community.

Panel members support infants, children and young people in local communities across Scotland by taking part in children’s hearings and making legal decisions with and on behalf of the young person.

Applicants must be over 18 and live and/or work in Inverclyde.

The panel community is looking for people who are good listeners, caring, compassionate and reliable.

Although positions are voluntary they are hugely rewarding.

A virtual information evening will take place on Wednesday 26 January 2022 at 6.30pm.

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.

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

“However, we cannot succeed 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.” 

Full training will be 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.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 9 February 2022.

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.

Cllr Moran said: “The panel does truly incredible work and I’ve witnessed that first-hand.

“The children’s panel is such a unique organisation that gives members the opportunity to help improve the life of a young person and the work done locally here in Inverclyde strengthens our reputation as a caring and compassionate community.

“Volunteers are vital for the continued success of the panel and I can assure prospective applicants out there that it really is a worthwhile organisation to be involved with.”

The children’s panel is a legal system which is unique to Scotland and run 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.

To find out more about the Children’s Panel and to apply visit www.chscotland.gov.uk/volunteering-with-us/.

To register for the information evening email ChildrensPanelRecruitment@inverclyde.gov.uk.