CHILDREN'S Hearings Scotland has issued the call for the 15 new Children’s Panel members needed to help vulnerable children and young people in Renfrewshire.

The Children’s Panel, Scotland’s largest legal tribunal, improves outcomes for troubled or at risk children and young people who are in need of care or who have offended.

This year’s recruitment campaign is focused on highlighting what it means to be a panel member in a bid to attract the right candidates – and Children’s Hearings Scotland appealed to those with compassion, empathy and the ability to listen to come forward.

To equip each applicant for the role, there is an initial training programme, spread over two years.

Once trained, panel members must commit to on-going training as well as preparation ahead of attending one to two hearings sessions per month.

The recruitment drive is being supported by panel members across Scotland who have spoken of their motivations for getting involved and how they fit panel responsibilities around existing work commitments, including Angela Stevenson from Paisley.

Angela, 48, has been a member of the Children’s Panel for just over a year and is a retired administration manager.

She applied to become a panel member as she wanted to help children and families in her local area.

Angela said: "The Children’s Panel is unlike any other voluntary role.

"You have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of young people in your community.

"I believed my life experiences could relate to some of the circumstances seen in the hearings system and I wanted to provide help to show people that there is someone who has their best interests at heart.

"Being a panel member makes you look at life from a whole different perspective.

"It does require a commitment of your time but it is a hugely rewarding and worthwhile role."

There are currently 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 possible support.

Boyd McAdam, National Convener and Chief Executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: "Without the support and commitment of our volunteers, there wouldn’t be a hearings system in Scotland.

"The role is unique, and those who give their time are unswerving in their dedication to improve the lives of those children and young people who are vulnerable or troubled.

"This year, we want to be clear about the commitment involved in being a panel member in a bid to ensure people who apply understand what being a panel member involves.

"We’re indebted to the many employers who give their employees time off to attend children’s hearings, and would encourage potential applicants to talk to their employer prior to applying.

"Although the commitment is considerable, it is equally rewarding, if not more so.

"By giving your time, you can help make a real difference to the life of a child or young person facing an uncertain future."

There will be information evenings held on Monday 19 September and Thursday 29 September at 7.00pm at Wallneuk North Church in Paisley for those who are interested in becoming a panel member.

Applicants need to be 18 or over.

The deadline for applications is 25 September 2016.

To find out more about becoming a panel member, or to apply online visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org.