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First Minister backs Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign

18 Oct 2024

First Minister John Swinney has pledged his support for a joint campaign aimed at ensuring children and young people in Scotland grow up free from the harmful effects of alcohol marketing.

Launched in collaboration between Alcohol Focus Scotland, BMA Scotland, Children in Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), the Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign is backed by around 50 organisations and 80 MSPs across all parties.

In a new video released in support of the campaign, the First Minister acknowledged that children in Scotland are exposed to alcohol so often that they have high levels of alcohol brand awareness, while international evidence has shown that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more and at problematic levels.

John Swinney MSP said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to improving population health. By taking steps to improving the health of children, we support their wellbeing into adulthood, contributing to a healthier future for all of Scotland. That is why I fully support the campaign to reduce children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing.”

Campaigners have welcomed the statement following disappointment at the Scottish Government’s recent decision to delay a promised second consultation on alcohol marketing, pending an evidence review by Public Health Scotland (click here for more).

In the Scottish Government’s initial consultation on this issue, public health and third sector organisations were consistently in favour of restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion, while those with a commercial interest in promoting and advertising alcohol were mostly against such changes.

Additionally, from January to April 2023, Children in Scotland supported 113 children and young people aged eight to 17 to engage in the consultation, and found that many wanted to see tighter restrictions for alcohol advertising and promotion, including a reduction in alcohol sponsorship and advertising linked to sports teams and events, reduced visibility of alcohol in local shops and supermarkets, and a reduction in alcohol advertising on television and online.

Welcoming the First Minister’s support of the campaign, Alison Douglas, CEO of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “It is encouraging to see that the First Minister recognises the evidence that exposure to alcohol marketing causes harm to children and young people and is personally committed to action to protect them.

“With alcohol deaths having reached a 15-year high, Scotland needs to be doing all it can to prevent future health problems. The Scottish Government’s support for a childhood free from alcohol marketing must be turned into concrete action. Children and young people themselves are calling for change.

“Scotland is behind the curve. Many other countries already have a range of restrictions on alcohol marketing, including how alcohol is displayed in shops, advertising at public transport stops and stations and sponsorship of sporting events.

“We urge the Scottish Government to put people’s health over industry profits and deliver their promised second consultation as soon as possible.”

Dr Peter Rice, Chair of SHAAP, commented: “We are pleased that the First Minister is committed to protecting children and young people from alcohol marketing, which we know influences consumption and harms.

"SHAAP encourages the Scottish Government to act on the wide body of international evidence and introduce a comprehensive set of marketing restrictions around alcohol promotion in sports, in public spaces, and in the retail environment.

“Far too much of our daily lives is shaped by the alcohol industry and it is time for the Scottish Government to take decisive action to create a Scotland that puts the wellbeing of its people, especially our younger generations, first. We should build on our reputation as a world leading country in alcohol policy."

Justina Murray, CEO of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, said: “We welcome all measures to tackle Scotland’s Alcohol Everywhere culture, including restrictions on alcohol marketing. The families we support describe alcohol as being ‘in your face, no matter where you look’. This harms whole families – children, young people and adults.

“Being exposed to alcohol marketing is traumatic for our families, whether their loved ones are actively drinking, in recovery (where they constantly fear relapse), or where their loved ones have died through alcohol. Families want to live in a Scotland where Alcohol Free Spaces are the norm for our families and communities, and this would be a step in the right direction.”

Judith Turbyne, CEO of Children in Scotland, said: “As outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all children have a right to the best possible health. With the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law, the Scottish Government must do everything it can to protect children’s health and wellbeing.

“For years, children and young people have raised concerns about the amount of alcohol marketing they see in their daily lives. We welcome this personal commitment from the First Minister. Now we need to see concrete action on this issue.”

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"Children and young people are amazing at helping us face challenges – they are so insightful"

16 Oct 2024

Aiming to champion and safeguard the human rights of Scotland’s next generation, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland plays a vital role in ensuring all young Scots get the chance to grow up in an environment filled with happiness, love and understanding.

Appointed to the position in 2023, Nicola Killean brings a wealth of experience to the role of Commissioner, having worked with children of all ages throughout her career, and over the course of her term, young people’s voices will continue to inform her work.

In this Q&A, Nicola shares what she hopes to achieve as Commissioner – and why children and young people “give her the fuel” to push for change.

Children in Scotland: You have a wealth of experience working directly with children and young people for many years now – what achievements from your career so far will you use to help inform your work as Commissioner?

Nicola Killean: I’ve been lucky throughout my career to work with children and young people across a really wide age range, engaging with babies and toddlers right through to young adults and school leavers.

Having this opportunity at Sistema Scotland, and through the Big Noise programme (click here for more), gave me an amazing perspective around the importance of ensuring children feel included. My previous experience helps keep my focus as Commissioner broad, but I recognise the importance of always doing targeted work, too, particularly engaging with children whose rights are most at risk.

When I started the job in August 2023, one of my top priorities – and duty – was to continue listening to children and young people, using their insights to shape the work we’ll do over the coming years because, after all, I work for them and their rights.

It’s only by really listening to children and young people articulate the truth about what they’re experiencing every day, and what they’re experiencing within our different systems,that we are able to understand where we have made progress, where we should celebrate, and where the work still has to be done.

Children and young people are amazing at helping us face challenges head on – they are so insightful, and so full of suggestions about ways we can make things better, so the more we can tap into that knowledge, connecting the dots and ensuring decision making is influenced by their insight, the better.

A woman with long blonde hair smiles into the camera, wearing a bright yellow shirt. Behind her is a blurred mural of trees and animals

CiS: What made you want to take up the role of Commissioner?

NK: I was drawn to this role by a combination of being a real champion for children and young people, and a drive to make sure their rights are protected, respected, and fulfilled. And while shouting from the rooftops about how capable and amazing they are, we can also continue to focus on raising the bar to improve their lives.

I always say that children and young people give us the fuel to continue to do our work, to fight for things to be better. So, the more that we can be with them, listen to them, and draw on their insight, the stronger we will be.

The key skill that I’m going to try and draw on is a tenacity to find ways to navigate complex challenges, while still understanding how difficult it can be for practitioners and organisations to find meaningful ways to work.

CiS: When it came to developing your strategic plan for the next four years, your team listened to thousands of children and young people both online and in person to hear their views. What did they identify as the biggest challenges and issues to tackle?

NK: Creating a new strategic plan was a great opportunity for me because it gave me a really clear mandate to reflect on what children and young people want us to work on, how they want us to work, and how they want their Commissioner to fulfil their role.

Consistently, children and young people told us they were concerned about some key themes, including education, poverty, climate change, discrimination, and mental health. We know that more action is needed to support these issues – and there are lots more emerging new issues that children and young people are facing that many of us didn’t need to face when we were growing up, too.

What has really struck me is the pressure felt by many children and young people, which comes from a combination of things. Some of it comes from the education system, while some of it is from social media and the weight of expectation. There’s this huge pressure placed on them, so we need to pay a lot of attention to that, and ensure that the systems we create to support them don’t add to that feeling of pressure.

There’s a lot of work to do, but it’s also an optimistic time. We are able to look at how far we have come within Scotland, really celebrate our successes, and then brace ourselves for what we need to do next to continue the progress and make things even better.

CiS: What are the best lessons children and young people have taught you over the course of your career?

NK: There are so many things I love about working with children and young people. I love how honest they are, and their capability to understand complex ideas and topics. I also love that they are able to articulate what they think and feel, and if you really invest the time to listen, you can learn so much.

Long-term, relationship-based practice can be transformational for children and young people. I learned very early on in my job that earning the trust and respect of children and young people is so vital – as adults, we almost feel an entitlement that they will respect us, but we have to earn it, and prove we are worthy of their trust.

For some children that can take hours or weeks, and for others it can take years. But when you are able to put relationship-based practice in place, it’s absolutely priceless.

This excerpt was taken from Issue 6 of Insight, the bi-annual publication for Children in Scotland members.

To read the full interview, you'll need a digital subscription, which costs just £10 per year and provides access to two issues. For more information, contact Alice Hinds: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk

Already a member? Click here to read Insight Issue 6

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Scotland’s growing number of kinship families need more support, according to new research

10 Oct 2024

New research has highlighted the need for children living in kinship care to receive more support, as the number of young people being cared for by family or friends continues to rise.

Published earlier this week by CELCIS (click here for more), the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection, for SCADR, the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research, Growing Up in Kinship Care looked at the data of more than 19,000 children and young people who lived in kinship care over a 10-year period.

According to the findings, being cared for by family or friends is the most common arrangement for children in care in Scotland, with almost one in three (29%) looked after through kinship care in 2019 – up from around 1 in 6 (16%) in 2008. What’s more, the research found that 40% of children who have been cared for by kinship carers did not experience any other form of alternative care, such as foster or residential care.

The research team brought together anonymised records for care experienced children, and linked these to records for the same children across education, Children’s Hearings, child protection, and health visiting datasets. Combining and analysing the data, CELCIS says, has given a much clearer picture and a greater understanding of the experiences and needs of these children and young people.

Highlights from the research included the finding that, while many children and young people living in kinship families thrive, kinship carers are often supporting children with complex needs, and therefore tailored support has become more important. Additionally, it found there is substantial regional variation in terms of how likely children are to live with kinship families, with higher numbers seen in areas of high deprivation, and many children and families would benefit from additional educational support.

Dr Robert Porter, Principal Investigator for this study at CELCIS explained: “More children being able to live with family and friends in kinship care is in line with both The Promise of the Independent Care Review and current Scottish Government policy and guidance, which sets out the commitment to children and young people being cared for within their own families and communities wherever this is possible.

“This is the first time data from different sources has been linked together to give a clearer picture of kinship care in Scotland. While data alone does not give a full understanding of the experiences and details of the lives and circumstances of children, young people and their carers, it can help us to understand what support might be needed and where investment in this should be provided.”

Morag Treanor, Children's Lives and Outcomes research programme lead, SCADR said: “Scotland made a promise to care experienced children and young people: that they will grow up loved, safe and respected. To know whether that promise is being kept, we need to know and understand as much as we can about the care journeys children make. Much of what we know so far comes from looking at information on an annual basis.

“This is the first research project to use the journeys of kinship care, over time, to provide a vital insight into growing up in kinship care. This report provides an excellent summary of essential information to build on, with a need for further work in this area, to help us understand more on how to support and benefit children and young people living in kinship care.”

For more information and to read the full report, click here to visit the CELCIS website

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From screens to success – boosting children's executive function skills in the digital age

25 Sep 2024

Emerging research has shown that both the pandemic and our increasingly digital age, filled with screens and virtual connection, are having an impact on children's development, including their communication and behaviour.

Here, child development and self-regulation expert Nicola McAllister explores how young people's brains and nervous system are being affected by our modern world, and discusses how professionals and parents can provide support.

We live in such a fast-paced world, and while the brain is very adaptive to its environment and very malleable to new experiences, its core functions are often at odds with a modern, technology driven life.

One of the core functionalities of the brain is connection. As a relational organ, we are born ‘wired’ to connect with other people – and, unfortunately, when we spend the majority of our day hooked on screens, scrolling through social media, online gaming, and even working or learning virtually, we lose the essence of that connection which is so vital, particularly for children whose nervous system is still developing. When combined with our desire to keep our youngsters constantly ‘busy’ with activities, clubs and after school programmes, their brains can come under a great deal of stress and strain.

While our reliance on technology is not new, it’s fair to say lockdown compounded its negative effects, and also removed a lot of the everyday things children need to develop into happy and confident young adults. Connection and relationships were the two big elements lost as our children suddenly found themselves confined in spaces with anxious and stressed adults. Unable to see extended family or meet with their peer groups, they couldn’t strengthen their core capabilities through relationships and play.

Fundamental parts of development were lost for children, adolescents and teenagers during those challenging few years, and while it’s well documented that isolation during the pandemic has had a knock-on effect on children's development, communication and behaviour, we are still yet to fully understand the impact.

I do a lot of work with schools throughout the UK, supporting staff around regulation and stress responses in the classroom, and teachers reported to me all the time that children entering education settings – early years groups like primary one, primary two – are lacking some of the basic skills they need to manage.

Being able to wait, take turns, share and follow direction, all skills learned through play, are now difficult for many children. Teachers are reporting levels of dysregulation in classrooms, too, which is understandable given their parents were living in a very stressful and unregulated environment during their core development years, not to mention our heavy use of screens which remove in-person connection.

So, what does all this mean for our children and young people? And how can we support them to develop the core skills they need to thrive?

My work is focused on helping young people develop what’s called executive functioning skills, which help us to plan, monitor and execute our goals. In this instance, goals doesn’t mean big life events – it’s everyday things like getting up, getting dressed, making breakfast, packing a school bag, and getting on the bus on time.

There are three broad categories of executive functioning. The first is self-regulation which means ensuring our nervous system and brain have the capabilities to regulate stress responses and inhibit the stuff that might get in the way of us achieving our goals, such as resisting temptation. The second is executive functioning or what we call working memory. This means being able to relate information we have in our brain to what might be happening next, or reflecting on what has happened in the past. And finally, cognitive flexibility is being able to respond to different situations and see things from different perspectives when we need to cope with change.

We are not born with these vital executive functioning skills, and while they begin to develop in early childhood, we don't get the full capabilities until we reach our mid-20s. So, when we're working with children and young people, it’s important to remember that their brain is still very much under construction.

They are still creating lots of pathways within the brain throughout childhood and beyond, and the development of these executive functions is dependent on their experiences, so it’s easy to see why the pandemic has delayed core skills for some.

The good news is that we can create experiences and interactions to strengthen children and young people’s executive functions, helping them to become settled, happy and ready for success. For professionals working with children of all ages, my upcoming training session with Children in Scotland explores executive function skills in more detail, and shares how we can build a supportive environment in the classroom and beyond – I hope to see you there.

Join Nicola for Empowering children: executive function skills to thrive in a dynamic world on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 from 10am – 12pm, part of our new webinar series, Navigating child development in the modern world.

For more information and to book your place, visit: childreninscotland.org.uk/learning/training-events/child-development-series-2024

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Managing ‘conflicts of interest’ – not as scary or hard as it might sound

20 Sep 2024

On the back of some exciting news, Judith Turbyne, CEO at Children in Scotland, reflects on how the voluntary sector depends on people taking on a variety of roles and how these can sometimes create potential, or actual conflicts. These should not stop people from getting involved and there are various processes in place to help manage conflicts of interest.

I have very exciting news to share. I am now the chair of the Corra Foundation. I have been on the board for six years, and I have loved the experience. One of the things it is important to think about when taking up a role like this is any potential conflict of interest.

Many people working in the sector and beyond want to contribute beyond their own organisations by taking up volunteering roles, including being a trustee with a charity. Whatever role you take up, it may intersect with other parts of your or your family’s working or volunteering life. Scotland is a small country, and this adds to the potential for conflicts of interest to arise. What is important is recognising that, and making sure it is managed properly.

Conflicts of interest can be linked to many different things. It could, for example, be due to a trustee’s relationship with a member of staff, the fact they work for an organisation who might be competing for similar funding, or they (or their family) use the services of the charity and decisions are having to be made about the services being delivered.

The best thing to do when thinking about any potential conflict of interest is to go back to charity law. The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (click here for more) outlines the essential duties of the trustee. A fundamental duty is to act in the best interests of the charity at all times. I may walk into the Corra boardroom as the CEO of Children in Scotland, but once there I am fully a trustee of Corra.

What are the potential areas for conflict of interest between The Corra Foundation and Children in Scotland? They are both organisations that are working to improve the lives of individuals and communities across Scotland. We accomplish our work in different ways but there are great similarities in what we are trying to achieve. In many ways, we are natural partners. But there are significant differences, not least that Corra is grant giver and Children in Scotland is often seeking grants to support our work.

A good example of a potential conflict of interest is in the administration of the Scottish Government CYPFEI & ALEC fund (click here for more). Like many organisations working with and for children and young people across Scotland, we benefit from that fund. What is important here is that Corra plays an administrative role with the fund, although decision-making remains with the Scottish Government.

When in the boardroom I am a trustee of Corra, and that means the first thing I need to do is to understand and register a potential conflict. While this is mitigated to a great extent because of where the decision-making lies, it is nevertheless important to register the potential of conflict. If there is then a discussion at board level about the fund, it may be necessary, for instance, for me not to be part of that discussion or any associated decision making.

The Corra Foundation have a strong policy on conflict of interest, including making sure that relevant interests are registered by all trustees, and it is updated on a yearly basis. At each meeting, the chair checks to see if there is anything on the agenda that is likely to trigger a conflict of interest, and then the management of that is discussed.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) provides some helpful advice on how charities can manage conflicts of interest as well as a template for creating a Conflicts of Interest Policy – click here to access.

The charity and wider third sector in Scotland would not function without people willing to take on other volunteering roles. There is often the potential for conflict of interest. But that shouldn’t put anyone off. Proper management is the key. What is important is that we release the skills, experience, energy and insight of those in Scotland into the third sector so that it can fully play its essential role in contributing to the quality of life for those living here.

On reflection, I feel that my role as Children in Scotland is really well balanced with my chair role at Corra because the kind of things we are dealing with on the board are to do with strategic decision making, not operational decisions. Indeed, I feel that my role with Children in Scotland benefits me as a trustee, and vice versa.

I will always put my Corra persona on when sitting on the board and be ready to step out if something is preventing me from putting these interest firsts.

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INSIGHT_6_Cover

Issue 6 (autumn 2024)

Published September 2024

Between external pressures, money worries and political frustrations, we know that our vibrant network of members are facing more challenges than ever before – and yet they never stop trying to make our country a better place for children and young people to grow up.  

Our sixth issue of Insight celebrates the hard work, determination and resilience shown by the third sector, with interviews, features and commentary covering everything from the momentous milestone of UNCRC incorporation to projects which are helping young people find their voice. 

Alongside a four-page Q&A with Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean, who discusses priorities for her time in post, readers will find an interview with The Yard’s CEO Celine Sinclair, information on inspiring participation projects, and a thoughtful piece on redefining “challenging” behaviour from Billy Anderson, Head of Services at Children in Scotland. 

Further reading includes: 

  • Hearts & Minds' Fiona Ferrier on why the Clowndoctors programme is proving laughter is the best medicine 
  • Details of a new journal that is empowering care experienced young people to write their own story 
  • An Edinburgh community group’s recipe for building mums’ confidence, independence and friendship 
  • Clare Forrest LGBT Youth Scotland exploring the charity’s social history project, (Un)seen, (Un)heard 
  • And an extended welcome to members who have joined Children in Scotland in the past six months.  

Continuing a long-term collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, MA students brought Insight Issue 6 to life with creativity and passion once again, providing beautiful illustrations for the cover and two articles.  

Insight is a members’ benefit, with copies included as part of full membership with Children in Scotland. A digital edition can also be accessed via the Member area (log in required).

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Non-members are also invited to subscribe for just £10 per year. To find out more about a digital subscription, email Alice: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk

Young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, celebrated at Scottish Children’s Health Awards

5 Sep 2024

Children in Scotland’s young people’s advisory group, Changing our World (CoW), was recognised for the “extraordinary steps” it takes to advance the healthcare rights of children and young people at the recent Scottish Children’s Health Awards.

The group, which currently has members aged eight to 25, took home the Healthcare Rights Award during a glittering awards ceremony earlier this month, which was hosted by journalist and TV presenter, Catriona Shearer.

Taking place as part of Scottish Children's Health Week, the annual “Teddy Awards” celebrate and honour courageous children, as well as individuals and professionals who are making a difference across a range of health-related fields.

Children’s Health Scotland, the charity behind the Awards, said the judging panel recognised the importance of CoW being children-led, and praised the group for giving young people the opportunity to share their experiences and views. The panel was also impressed by the group’s interaction with Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health and Women's Health during recent campaigns.

Four adults and one young person stand in a row, all smiling at the camera. In the middle, the young person holds a an award with a teddy bear on the top.
Changing our World member Roderick accepted the Healthcare Rights Award on behalf of the group

Roderick, who represented CoW at the Awards, said: “It’s essential for children and young people to have a say in organisations that aim to help people our age. We meet every month, either online or in person, to discuss important topics for children and young people, including health issues like vaping.

“Vaping amongst young people has been a massive problem in my community and it’s great to see the issue brought to everyone’s attention. I was one of the people who really wanted Changing our World to talk about the issue, so winning the award is a big encouragement for me personally.”

Parisa Shirazi, Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer at Children in Scotland, nominated CoW for the Healthcare Rights Award in recognition of its hard work to bring about change.

She said: “I nominated them because of their dedication to improving the rights of children and young people all over Scotland.

“I see my job as providing that support and structure for them to share their views in ways that work for them. I particularly enjoy seeing members grow in confidence in areas they initially would have felt more nervous about, such as public speaking and working with MSPs.”

To learn more about the Children’s Health Awards, click here to visit Children’s Health Scotland’s website: childrenshealthscotland.org

Our thanks to Yopa for their support for the Changing Our World advisory group.

 

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Challenges and opportunities: Insight Issue 6 celebrates the hard work and determination of Scotland’s third sector

5 Sep 2024

The new issue of Children in Scotland’s biannual member magazine, Insight, is now available both in print and online.

Featuring a range of interviews, articles and opinion pieces covering everything from the momentous milestone of UNCRC incorporation to projects which are helping young people find their voice, Insight Issue 6 celebrates the hard work, determination and resilience shown by the third sector during one of the most challenging economic climates of recent times.

Alongside a four-page Q&A with Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean (click here for more), who discusses priorities for her time in post, readers will find an interview with The Yard’s (click here for more) CEO Celine Sinclair, information on inspiring participation projects, and a thoughtful piece on redefining “challenging” behaviour from Billy Anderson, Head of Services at Children in Scotland.

Further reading includes:

  • Hearts & Minds' Fiona Ferrier on why the Clowndoctors programme (click here for more) is proving laughter is the best medicine
  • Details of a new journal that is empowering care experienced young people to write their own story
  • An Edinburgh community group’s recipe for building mums’ confidence, independence and friendship
  • Clare Forrest from LGBT Youth Scotland (click here for more) exploring the charity’s social history project, (Un)seen, (Un)heard
  • And an extended welcome to members who have joined Children in Scotland in the past six months.

Continuing a long-term collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, MA students brought Insight Issue 6 to life with creativity and passion once again, providing beautiful illustrations for the cover and two articles.

Alice Hinds, Insight editor, said: “When I think of the people working across the children’s sector, from social workers to teachers, policy experts to charity leaders, three qualities come to mind – hardworking, determined and resilient.

“Despite external pressures, money worries and political frustrations, professionals working with and for children never stop trying to make our country a better place to grow up, and our new issue of Insight celebrates that unwavering persistence.

“I hope our members feel inspired after reading this new edition – I know I did.”

Providing a space to share knowledge and best practice, print and digital editions of Insight are published twice a year, with all Children in Scotland members receiving a free copy.

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Insight Issue 6

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Children’s Hearings Scotland: A day in the life of a Panel Member

2 Sep 2024

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) has just launched a new recruitment drive to find more Panel Members to help make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people in children’s hearings.

Although around 2,500 amazing people are already part of the CHS community – otherwise known as the Children’s Panel – more volunteers are needed across Scotland.

Interested but nore sure what the role entails? Here, Ailsa Jones, from Fife, talks us through a typical day as a Panel Member. 

I became a Panel Member because I have always wanted to help others. I liked the idea of how volunteers are trying to improve outcomes for those in their local area. I also come from a family of public servants, so helping others is in the genes! 

I joined the panel when I was 20. Even when I was young, I wanted to contribute to and connect with others in our community. Back then I didn't know much about the hearings system, other than a little we learned about it at college. 

I searched online and I thought it looked like it could be interesting. I applied thinking my age could go against me, but the opposite was true. I joined the Children's Panel Team in Fife and 14 years later I am still here! 

I do in-person hearings in the afternoons. The first thing I do when I get papers is to check I do not know the child or their family. I read each case and then, at the weekend, I set aside time to complete pre-hearing notes. I have copies of my prep sheet ready and then find a comfy spot in the house where I can get the most peace with my tablet.

Digital papers are ideal as they ensure we don't have bundles of papers sent out. This helps me to disconnect from the hearings system when I'm finished reading, too. If I can, I will have another look over things before the end of the weekend. 

Once the tablet is off and the notes are stored away, I am back into busy family life with my three-year-old son and husband. I tend to do my hearings on a Wednesday afternoon, so before the hearing I am working full-time and balancing life's routines. I'm at work until lunchtime then it's off to the hearing centre. 

I aim to arrive 30 minutes before the hearing starts. This means I can have some time to catch up with our Panel and we can chat about each case. We talk about the practicalities – who might attend and general issues to consider – and each of us refers to our prep sheet completed at home.

The Children's Reporter comes through to tell us who is present and then we are good to go, so the family and professionals come in. 

Once the hearing is over, we type up the decisions and reasons for each case, which are usually two or three in a session. We then check with the Reporter that everything we've written has been received through the portal. 

If everything is OK, I hand my notes to the reception staff for secure disposal, and head off home for a typical evening – tea time, bathtime, story time, bedtime, and then TV time for my husband and me. Then I do the whole process all over again a few weeks later when I'm back on the rota!

Could you become a volunteer Panel Member? Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is seeking Panel Members across Scotland. Apply by 12pm on Monday, 30 September 2024 via chscotland.gov.uk/volunteer-with-us

To learn more about the hearings system, click here or email chsrecruit@chs.gov.scot

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Five benefits of lifelong learning

15 Aug 2024

Did you know that learning new skills can boost your confidence? Or that upskilling can help you make new professional connections?

At Children in Scotland, we are passionate about continuous learning, not only for career development but for the many wellbeing benefits it can provide, too. Here’s our top five reasons to engage your brain and learn something new.

1. Motivation

After doing the same role for a while, it’s easy and quite common to start feeling a lack of motivation and drive, especially if you’re not challenged by your current responsibilities. Starting a new course or qualification can bring back some of your ‘get up and go’ and help with focus and productivity as you learn new skills.

2. Confidence

Expanding your skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can lead to a massive boost in self-esteem as you gain positive feedback and grow more confident in your abilities. And who doesn’t love that feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a new project?

3. Better working relationships

Workplace training courses aren’t just about achieving individual goals – by working through new learning programmes as a team, you’ll make connections with colleagues and foster better communication, creating a trusting and collaborative environment.

4. Improved memory and concentration

Did you know that learning a new skill is like a workout for the mind? From completing crossword puzzles to revising coursework, challenging your brain to learn something new can create new neural connections, improve executive functions and even help us remember new information.

5. New opportunities

Expanding your existing skills and knowledge, and maintaining professional qualifications, can give you a competitive edge when it comes to applying for new jobs – and also show employers that you’re interested in progression.

If you’ve been inspired to learn something new, did you know that we offer a range free courses? Check out our eLearning Hub (click here for more), where you'll find a range of online programmes relevant to the children’s sector, including a new module on Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), and a course on understanding visual impairment in preschool children.

Learn with us online and in-person

Browse our range of training and events

Click to find out more

Our membership offer

Be part of the largest national children's sector membership organisation in Scotland

Click here for more

Enquire

Find out more about Enquire, the national advice and information service for additional support for learning

Visit the website

Reach

The website for young people offers advice and support on accessing their rights

Visit the website

Read more like this

Check out our blog for commentary, membership news and more!

Click here to read