Ying Zhang – Q&A with SCRA Board Member

As recruitment will shortly get underway to appoint two new Board Members to SCRA’s Board, we talk to current Board Member Ying Zhang to find out what made her apply …

Can you remember what made you apply for the Board Member vacancy?

I applied for the SCRA Board Member vacancy when I was serving as an Area Convener in Children’s Hearings Scotland.  I was immediately drawn to the role, as Scotland had just embarked on its transformative journey to improve outcomes for our children and young people, through the implementation of The Promise and the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law.

With a background in research, frontline Social Work, and Children’s Hearings, I felt I could bring a well-rounded perspective to the table. I was very much looking forward to contributing at a national strategic level, helping shape how services respond to children in need of care and protection, and ensuring that SCRA’s work remains child-centred, rights-based, and responsive to all children and young people involved in the Hearings System in Scotland.

How did you find the process of applying?

I found the application process to be clear and easy to follow, reflecting a fairly standard public appointments approach in terms of both the written application and interview stages.

The interview panel were very engaging and welcoming, which made the interview feel more like a conversation than a formal assessment.  This enabled me to speak much more openly and confidently about my skills, experience, and knowledge. I felt I was given the space to demonstrate not only my professional background, but also my commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. I was also interviewed by young people from Our Hearings, Our Voice (OHOV), which was very reassuring to see the child-centred approach taken by SCRA from the start.  Overall, the whole interview process was a positive experience that encouraged genuine engagement and depth conversations.

What was your first Board meeting like?

I received a very warm welcome from the Board chair, fellow Board Members and the Executive Management Team at my first Board meeting.  They were incredibly supportive, which helped me quickly adapt into my new role.  I was reassured by the shared sense of purpose around the table, and the commitment to improving not only the outcomes, but the whole experiences of children, young people, and families who are involved in the Hearings System.

From the outset, I felt aligned with the Board’s vision and values, and there was a genuine openness to different perspectives and constructive challenge. It was clear to me straight away that I had joined the right organisation with passion, integrity, and a collective drive to deliver continuous improvements for our children and young people.

Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better public appointment.

What work are you involved with as a Board Member?

As a Board Member, I work alongside the Board Chair and fellow members to provide collective strategic leadership to SCRA. This includes supporting, overseeing, and scrutinising the effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, and sustainability of service delivery, in line with the organisation’s vision, values, and purpose.

I also serve as Vice Chair of the Planning and Performance Committee. In this role, I work closely with the Executive Management Team to ensure that robust monitoring systems are in place to enable SCRA to deliver its strategic ambitions. This involves tracking and scrutinising performance data, overseeing resource allocation, monitoring risks, and supporting effective programme and portfolio management.  My role on the committee supports the Board’s decision making, which are evidence-based and data-informed, with a focus on quality and value-driven outcomes.

What’s been the highlights of your time as a Board Member?

It has been a real privilege to serve SCRA. One of the highlights has been the opportunity to visit our locality offices, where I have seen first-hand the best practice, innovation, and strong commitment to continuous improvement across the organisation. These visits have helped me to better understand the challenges faced by our workforce, as well as the collaborative and determined ways in which teams work to overcome them.

I particularly remember hearing about the Child Friendly Scheduling programme in our Kilmarnock office for the first time – I was blown away by the team’s innovative approach, while keeping the best interests of children at the heart of delivery.

I have also greatly valued working with our young Board members of Our Hearings, Our Voice (OVOH). They bring powerful lived experience and invaluable insights, helping both the Board and the executive team to continue striving to get it right for our children and young people.

Would you apply again?

Most definitely. I have just been recommended for a second term of appointment.  The time ahead will be both exciting and challenging, given the significant legislative developments, including the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill and the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024.  I look forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow Board members and the Executive Management team to support SCRA, and realise The Promise for all our children and young people involved in the Hearings System.