Children’s Panel volunteers recognised
Children’s Panel volunteers with over 260 years’ service between them have been given some well-deserved recognition.
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) recruits, trains and supports volunteer children’s panel members who make legal decisions with - and for - children and young people in children’s hearings.
At the formal annual recognition event hosted on Wednesday, 4 September, at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, panel members from across Ayrshire were celebrated for their long service.
This year a total of 19 serving and four former panel members across Ayrshire were thanked for their dedicated contributions.
Michael Stewart, Tribunal Delivery Manager (Ayrshire) for Children’s Hearings Scotland opened the event. He shared: “I am proud to recognise our selfless volunteers who have offered over 260 years’ service – a truly outstanding feat!
“The Panel volunteers have attended over 4,000 hearings for Ayrshire’s children, providing support, empathy, compassion and respect to the families attending the hearings.
“We are proud of our volunteers who remain committed to improving outcomes for all of Ayrshire’s children and were delighted to have recognised them at our annual event. Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate them with us.”
The 2024 awards ranged from five to 25 years active participation, with the longest-serving awards being handed to North Ayrshire Panel member Jim Heron, East Ayrshire Panel member Irene Bell and South Ayrshire Panel member Anne O’Hare, who were presented with an award for 25 years’ service to the Children’s Panel. Other awards presented included:
- two panel members received a 20 year award
- one panel member received a 15 year award
- three panel members received a 10 year award
- ten panel members received a five year award
- four former panel members received awards for between seven and 28 years of service to the children’s panel.
Quote: It was a privilege to be part of this special celebration and a brilliant opportunity to meet volunteers who selflessly give up their time to support the important work of the Children’s Panel. The roles they play are vital in ensuring that young people get the support and guidance they need and deserve, when they need it. I would like to congratulate – and thank – every one of the volunteers for their service.”
Quote from: Councillor Anthea Dickson,
North Ayrshire Provost and Local Authority Representative
Children’s Hearings Scotland are currently recruiting panel members nationally. The deadline is Monday 30 September 2024.
A virtual information event is being held for those interested in becoming a volunteer on Wednesday, 18 September from 7pm until 8.30pm. If you would like to attend or find out more, email Ayrshire Area Support.
Published: 16 September 2024