The search is on for local Children’s Panel members

A Children’s Panel member from Orkney has helped launch the search for new panel members in the area.

Ahead of an information event in Kirkwall next month, Katie Coward, 65, from Evie has spoken of how rewarding the volunteering role can be, as someone who recently completed her first year as a panel member.

The national Children’s Panel is the largest legal tribunal in Scotland and makes decisions to help the lives of vulnerable children and young people who are need or care and protection or who have offended.

Children’s panel members are appointed for a period of three years at a time.

The information event will take place on Wednesday, September 6, at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall at 7pm for those interested in meeting panel members and finding out more about the role.

Katie, who is a semi-retired horse-riding coach and a volunteer for The Pony Club, applied to be a member of the Children’s Panel to continue helping and lending support to children in her local community.

She said: “I decided to apply to become a panel member when I found myself with more time, and a number of friends recommended it.

“The training is extremely informative and interactive and there is always a great support network around you for the more challenging circumstances you might have to deal with. If you are approachable and can empathise with others then I would encourage you to look into becoming a panel member.

“It is the only role I can think of that recruits people regardless of their walk of life or day job. People of any age or profession can apply to become a panel member and I think that’s the reason why the Children’s Hearings System is so successful.”

There are currently over 2,500 volunteer panel members across Scotland, however new recruits from a range of backgrounds are needed each year to ensure the system continues to offer the best support.

Applicants need to be 18 or over. The deadline for applications is September 26. To find out more about becoming a panel member, or to apply online visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org.