Children's Panel Appeal

A father and son duo are to launch a six-week recruitment campaign aimed at filling 560 roles nationally.

The pair recently started volunteering for the Children’s Panel and will kick start the search for new volunteers in Fife by appealing to local people to come forward.
 
Jim Redpath, 54, and his son Liam, 23, from Glenrothes, didn’t know either had applied until they met each other on the day of the interviews, and are both now relishing the rewarding role.  The duo were two of 1,300 applications received last year, and following selection and comprehensive training, have been now active panel members for four months. 
 
Today, Children’s Hearings Scotland issued the call for new volunteers in Fife to help fill the 560 panel roles needed nationally in 2016 as their six week recruitment campaign got underway. 
 
The Children’s Panel, which is unique to Scotland, improves outcomes for troubled or at risk children and young people who are in need of care or who have offended. 
 
There are currently 2,500 volunteer panel members across Scotland dedicating their time to attending children’s hearings.  However, new recruits from a range of backgrounds are needed each year to ensure the system continues to offer the best possible support.
 
Children’s Hearings Scotland, the body responsible for the recruitment, training and support of panel members, urged those who have compassion, the ability to listen and an interest in the welfare of children and young people within their community to apply before the 30 September deadline. 
 
Men in particular are being urged to come forward, to ensure hearings have the right representation as law requires both men and women to sit on each hearing.
 
Boyd McAdam, National Convener and Chief Executive, Children’s Hearings Scotland said: “Volunteers like Jim and Liam are essential to the success of the Children’s Hearings System.
 
“Serving on the national Children’s Panel is a big commitment, but we know from speaking with panel members that they get as much out of it as they put in.  Each hearing involves our volunteers making decisions which can help change the life of a child or young person who is in need of help.  Although difficult at times, it can be hugely rewarding. 
 
“We welcome applications from anyone who feels empathy towards the situations some children and young people in Scotland face.  We provide the training to help you have the skills - what we need is your time, your commitment and your compassion. The training is rightly demanding, but is also rewarding.  As I can testify, having undertaken it, it can be fun and sociable as well. 
 
“There is no such thing as an ideal panel member.  We need a mix of ages from 18 upwards, and from a variety of backgrounds.  We also need a mix of both males and females to ensure that the national Children’s Panel has a variety of experiences and perspectives.  If you think you have what it takes, then I’d encourage you to apply.”
 
Over 45 panel members have supported this year’s campaign by speaking out about their motivations for volunteering for this important role.
 
Jim Redpath, a management consultant, said: “We didn’t consciously decide to join the Children’s Panel together.  I actually didn’t even know Liam had applied until I bumped into him on the day of the interviews.
 
“I decided to join the Children’s Panel because as a father of six, I have a lot of parenting experience, and I know I’ve done everything I can to bring my kids up well.  However, not all children are fortunate enough to be well looked after.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to help some of the young people in my community.  I find it really rewarding to know I’m doing my bit.”
 
Liam Redpath, who is a service support co-ordinator for Sky, added: “If you’re willing to listen and have a desire to help people, I’d definitely recommend joining the Children’s Panel.  You have to dedicate a lot of time and effort, but it’s an incredibly rewarding thing to be a part of.” 
 
Information evenings will be held on Thursday 27 August and Tuesday 15 September, both at 7pm in Fife House, Glenrothes.