Information for Panel Members

Scotland’s Children's Hearings System relies on the involvement of around 2,500 people from all walks of life. These people give their time and commitment, voluntarily, to train and serve as Children's Panel Members. Panel Members are selected and trained to sit on Children's Hearings in their own local authority area.

Children are referred to the Children’s Hearings System because they are considered to be at risk or have committed an offence and are thought to be in need of compulsory measures of supervision. At each Hearing, Panel Members work with the child, parents or carers and professionals to make decisions which are in the best interests of the child.

The Scottish Government deals with the recruitment of Panel Members and each year, around 500 new Panel Members from across Scotland are recruited.

If you are interested in becoming a Panel Member, please contact the office of the Clerk to the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) for your local authority. These contact details and further information such as the training available to Panel Members can be found at the Children’s Hearings website: www.childrens-hearings.co.uk