Search for children’s panel convener
AN area convener is being recruited to support Inverclyde Children’s Panel to help protect and safeguard vulnerable youngsters.
The successful applicant will be responsible for leading a team of almost 50 volunteers who make important decisions about local young people referred to children's hearings for a variety of reasons.
The new area convener will join Inverclyde Area Support Team (AST), which provides support to the children’s panel.
The role of area convener is voluntary, although reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses can be reimbursed, and the closing date for applications is 3 July.
Inverclyde Children’s Panel is run in partnership between Inverclyde Council and Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS).
It 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.
Hearings are traditionally associated with youngsters who have offended, but that accounts for only a small number of cases with the majority dealing with safety and welfare and making decisions which support the wellbeing of youngsters.
Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde Council’s Convener of Health & Social Care, is a former children’s panel member and is the current local authority representative on the district’s AST.
Mr Moran said: “The children’s panel is a vital service which makes crucial judgements affecting young people and families.
“It cannot function without the help and support of dedicated volunteers who care about making the right decisions to protect and safeguard children and their families.
“The role of area convener is a rewarding one and an opportunity for someone locally who is passionate about the welfare of young people to make a meaningful difference.
“I encourage anyone who has a background, knowledge or expertise in this sector to apply and help support local children.”
Area conveners play a critical role by leading one of 22 ASTs which support the work of around 2,500 panel members throughout Scotland.
The role involves working to enable infants, children and young people to have the best possible experience in hearings within the area.
The area convener does not sit on panels but provides leadership and support to local volunteers, chairs AST meetings, develops and implements plans for the local area, liaises with partner organisations and other ASTs, and acts as an ambassador for the Inverclyde Children’s Panel.
Full training and support will be provided, with the aim of enhancing skills in leadership, effective communication, and influencing and negotiating – all of which are transferable into the workplace.
To find out more, download an application pack and to apply, visit www.chscotland.gov.uk/about-chs/vacancies and for an informal chat about the role or other volunteering opportunities email ken.mckinlay@chs.gsi.gov.uk.
Learn more about Inverclyde Children’s Panel at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/childrens-panel.