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Have your say - Consultation on funding approach for the third sector

18 Jul 2024

Children in Scotland invites members to contribute to its response to the consultation opened by the Social Justice and Social Security Committee at Scottish Parliament which examines Scottish Government's funding approaches for the third sector.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee at the Scottish Parliament has opened a consultation to examine how the Scottish Government’s approach to fair and efficient funding can contribute to the continued effectiveness of the third sector. This is part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny.

From speaking with our members, we know how recent challenges have made sustainable funding a priority area as so many third sector organisations struggle to build and maintain resilience.

Children in Scotland will be submitting a response to the consultation sharing our experience and learning from members and partners working across the children's sector.

We understand that some of our members may struggle to write a full response to the consultation due to pressure on staff capacity and the short turnaround. For this reason, we have created a short survey providing an opportunity for members to further contribute to Children in Scotland's response and help us to build our evidence base.

Questions in the survey ask members to consider the impact of different approaches to funding including a shift to longer-term, more flexible funding patterns, inflation-related uplifts, and the challenges of delivering the Real Living Wage and Fair Work for employees.

Respondents do not need to answer every question listed in the survey. You also have the option to ask us to anonymise any responses you submit.

The survey will close at 5pm on Monday 5 August 2024.

Click here to begin the survey

If you wish to respond to the Committee’s consultation directly, click here to visit Scottish Parliament’s website -> 

Contribute to our response

We invite members to complete our short survey providing your views on funding approaches for the third sector.

Complete the survey

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New report shares positive stories of inclusion in Scottish schools

A new report that summarises the Success Looks Different Awards 2023 has revealed positive stories of inclusion from across schools in Scotland. The annual awards were set up in 2022 by the Inclusion Ambassadors, a group of secondary school-aged pupils from across Scotland who have a range of additional support needs.

The group were concerned that, often, when schools measure achievements in learning they talk mostly about exams. Although exam results are important to many pupils, we know that not everyone will sit formal exams. The Inclusion Ambassadors strongly believe that success looks different for everyone. They set up the annual Success Looks Different Awards to showcase how pioneering schools are helping pupils with additional support needs feel included, supported and celebrated.

The Inclusion Ambassadors led the Success Looks Different Awards 2023 from start to finish. The young people set the award categories, the criteria and judged the entries. Some of the group were also involved in presenting the awards at winning schools.

2023 Award Winners

In 2023, the Success Looks Different Awards had four categories: Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School and Special School.

The winners and runners-up were:

Early Years
Winner: Woodlands Nursery Centre, South Lanarkshire
Runner-up: Wallacetown Early Years Centre, South Ayrshire

Primary School
Winner: Williamston Primary School, West Lothian
Runner-up: Houston Primary School, Renfrewshire

Secondary School
Winner: Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, West Dunbartonshire
Runner-up: Park Mains High School, Renfrewshire

Special School
Winner: Fairview School, Perth & Kinross
Runner-up: East Park School, Glasgow City

"If you don't do anything about it, inclusion is just a word."(quote from an Inclusion Ambassador)

The winning entries had common themes, such as prioritising relationships between staff and pupils, including pupils in shaping celebrations of success and taking a holistic approach – both with individual learners and the wider school. Some also created opportunities for student leaders and prioritised connecting with the wider community. Each of the entries found ways of celebrating success in creative and innovative ways.

The Success Looks Different Awards 2023 report shares lots of examples of good practice from the award winners.

Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s Senior Development Officer, who managed the award in 2023, said:

“Sharing examples of how different schools support inclusion is an important part of the Success Looks Different Awards. The breadth of applications we have received since the award began in 2022 has given us an insight into the dedication so many educational establishments have to embedding inclusion and recognising that success looks different for every individual. This report is an opportunity for us to recognise and promote this valuable work and celebrate the good practice happening across Scotland.

New Primary School Pilot Report

Alongside the launch of the Success Looks Different Awards 2024, we are delighted to announce the publication of a report on a recent pilot project to trial delivering the Inclusion Ambassadors approach in a Primary School setting.

The report highlights the importance of the adults who work with children in providing support and building meaningful relationships. It also highlights the importance of the learning environment on the experiences of children in primary school.

Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s Senior Development Officer, who was part of the pilot, said:

“In the last few years, the Inclusion Ambassadors group has grown from strength to strength. However, both the Inclusion Ambassadors and the team that supports them felt that there is a gap in the work we’re doing regarding the views of younger children with additional support needs.

By extending the Inclusion Ambassador offer to younger pupils - initially through this pilot - we hope to create further opportunities for all children to engage in decisions made about their support for learning.”

You can access the full primary school pilot report by clicking here.

You can also find more information at childreninscotland.org.uk/inclusion-ambassadors

Success Looks Different 2023

Read our Year 2 Report on the Success Looks Different Award.

View now

Inclusion Ambassadors

Our advisory group of secondary school-aged pupils who have a range of additional support needs.

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Enquire

Find out more about Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning

Visit the website

International Schools Meals Day update

After 12 years, Children in Scotland is sad to announce that the International School Meals Day (ISMD) project is coming to an end in its current form.  

A combination of the loss of funding, a reduction in Comms staffing and the need for all Children in Scotland’s work to align with the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan means that it is no longer possible to continue delivering the project.  

Simon Massey, Head of Engagement & Learning at Children in Scotland, said: 

“Despite the fact I am very sad that we need to end the ISMD project, I am really proud to look back at everything that has been achieved over the past 12 years. We’ve had engagement from 60+ countries across many years, countless organisations working directly with us and thousands of children and young people get involved. 

I want to thank Scottish Government for their ongoing support over the 12 years with both funding as well as expertise in delivery, while both Yibo Woods at the USDA and Lindsay Graham have provided constant enthusiasm, advice and engagement throughout. 

There are too many other people who have got involved over the years to individually thank but please know that every one of them made a meaningful contribution.” 

Some of the main partners have identified a number of highlights over the years including: 

  • The ‘thunderclap years’ – reaching millions via social media campaigns (before data protection legislation put a stop to it). 

The ISMD website will be available until the end of June by which point key information will be transferred over to a new ISMD project page on the Children in Scotland website. 

The ISMD Project

Find out more about the history of International School Meals Day.

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10 highlights from our Annual Conference 2024

5 Jun 2024

Filled with countless moments of joy, inspiration, learning and connection, Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2024 saw more than 400 delegates, speakers and exhibitors come together at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.

From insightful workshops and uplifting keynotes to networking sessions and motivational speeches, the successful two-day event featured a packed programme – and here, we’ve rounded up just a few of the highlights to relive all the magic.

1. Our CEO shared the importance of optimism and hope

It’s no secret that many charities and third sector organisations are currently facing a range of challenges, including staff shortages and funding shortfalls. Echoing the themes discussed in her recent blog (click here for more), our CEO Judith Turbyne used her keynote address to acknowledge the serious impact these challenges will have on vital services for children and young people – but placed emphasis on never losing hope.

Speaking to a packed room of delegates on day one, Judith said: “The cost of living crisis – on the back of the pandemic – has meant that we have been functioning in crisis mode for quite a long period of time, and we know what a serious impact this is having on the children and young and their families and carers, as well as the organisations working with and for them.

“However, I very much do believe there is real power in facing up to a crisis and allowing that to be one of the levers for change. There is always hope, and if we really work together, we can make change possible.”

2. We made hundreds of new friends!

Across both days of the conference, more than 450 delegates, speakers and exhibitors arrived at Murrayfield, enjoying a range of workshops, hands-on sessions and networking opportunities. What’s more, our official conference hashtag #CiSAC24 was used more than 100 times on X (formerly Twitter) as attendees shared who they met, what they learned, and how they were inspired to improve their work.

3. We welcomed Natalie Don MSP

Speaking passionately about her mission to make Scotland the best place for children and young people to grow up, Natalie Don MSP was welcomed to the stage on day two of the conference.

The Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise discussed a range of issues relevant to the children’s sector, providing valuable insights for delegates, before staying to visit our busy exhibition hall – and stopping to speak with Changing our World (click here for more), our vibrant children and young people’s advisory group, who had their own stand in our exhibition hall.

Natalie Don MSP with CoW

4. Delegates learned why courageous leadership is vital for reducing violence

During a personal and inspiring speech, Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, called for children to be better represented in discussions about rising violence in schools, and shared why a trauma-informed approach should be taken to address such challenges.

His thoughtful speech, which focused on the need for collaboration over competition, was one of the programme highlights. Reflecting on the talk, one attendee said: “Jimmy's very personal story resonated and made me reflect on how our roles must always centre on supporting young people and families, and going above and beyond to protect them and adapt to them as individuals”.

5. Our AI panel focused on children’s rights

Hosted by Ken Corish, Online Safety Director for the South West Grid for Learning, with Gregory Metcalfe from Children’s Parliament and Dr Mhairi Aitken of The Alan Turing Institute, our panel on children’s Rights and AI raised lots of important issues, and helped to raise awareness of the safety implications of chat bots and AI-generated content.

As Gregory said during the panel: “AI is such a rapidly evolving field, it can feel impossible to keep up – but the important thing is to focus on children's rights".

6. We made some Braw animations

During an interactive and engaging workshop, Braw Talent (click here for more) shared how they use storytelling to enable young people to share their voices – and attendees even got to create their own stop motion films based around UNCRC incorporation!

Braw Talent workshops AC24

7. There was a magical musical moment

During the Live Music and Mental Health workshops, which shared key learnings from a recent project engaging with children and young people and professionals, attendees were treated to a live performance from the incredible Scottish Ensemble (click here for more) – who needs Taylor swift tickets when you’ve been to #CiSAC24!

8. Children and young people were put at the heart of our event

When it came to shaping the programme for our Annual Conference, we knew children and young people’s views and opinions would be vital for ensuring its success. As well as helping with the planning process, we were lucky enough to have members of Changing our World in attendance across both days, while members Mhairi and Olive came on board as co-chairs.

It was so inspirational to see CoW members not only chatting with delegates but hosting workshops and leading discussions – and we can’t thank them enough for all their hard work.

9. We sparked new connections

With more than 40 exhibitors hosting stalls at the conference, our delegates got the chance to learn about everything from mental health and wellbeing to social care innovation, safeguarding initiatives, suicide prevention, road safety, support available for the third sector and so much more. Plus with 25 informative workshops, there was space for lots of learning, too.

10. And there were lots of cuddles…

Zola Pets as Therapy

The wonderful charity Pets As Therapy (click here for more) brought along a special surprise for delegates – beautiful pooch Zola, who was more than happy to receive cuddles between workshops.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Conference 2024, including our sponsors Kibble, Road Safety Scotland, Harmeny, and Yopa, who made it all possible.

Our membership offer

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

Click here for more

Participation and engagement work

Find out more about how we embed the inclusion and participation of children and young people in our work

Click here for more

Our services

We offer we offer a range of services that provide support, advice and representation for children and families

Click here for more

Children in Scotland appeals for Kiltwalk participants to support its vital work

4 Jun 2024

A group of staff and supporters from Children in Scotland are practising their strides ahead of this year’s Kiltwalk event, while seeking others to support their fundraising efforts.  

The group of walkers, led by Children in Scotland CEO, Dr Judith Turbyne, will take part in this renowned Scottish challenge to raise vital funds for the charity. Some of the group will take part in the Dundee event on Sunday 11 August, while others will meet in Edinburgh for the capital’s Kiltwalk on 15 September.  

All funds raised by the charity at Kiltwalk events will be used to further its mission to give all children in Scotland and equal chance to flourish. 

Judith said: 

“I am so excited to be taking part in the 2024 Kiltwalk, surrounded by such a fantastic group of staff and supporters. It’s always such a fun event with a great atmosphere, and knowing that we are raising such vital funds for Children in Scotland will be a much-needed boost over the finish line.  

“Like many organisations in the third sector, we find ourselves in the position of being increasingly reliant on fundraised income to be able to go over and above for the children and organisations we work with. Funds raised at the Kiltwalk will help us to do more to amplify children’s views, provide youth participation and advisory opportunities and membership collaboration and learning, and ultimately move us closer to achieving our Manifesto priorities. We would love to hear from anyone who is up for a really fun walking challenge, while making a real difference to our children’s futures.” 

Children in Scotland recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary, which marked three decades of the organisation championing the voices of children and young people, ensuring that they are at the heart of policy and decision making. Their membership brings together more than 450 organisations and individuals from schools, charities and nurseries to NHS Boards, local authorities and community interest groups. The provision of children’s support services like Reach, Enquire and Resolve continues to be a huge focus of their work. 

Over the last eight years, the Kiltwalk has raised a staggering £42.5 million for 3,300 Scottish charities. Participants can take part in one of three challenges – the Mighty Stride (21 miles), the Big Stroll (11 miles), or the Wee Wander(5 miles) – across four Scottish cities. 

To join the 2024 Children in Scotland Kiltwalk team, please contact Tracy who will organise your entry and provide further information. Thope@childreninscotland.org.uk 

Show your support

Can't join us on the Kiltwalk? Donate to our fundraiser via JustGiving

Click here for more

Teen cancer survivor and advocate Molly Cuddihy and Natalie Don MSP join impressive line-up for Annual Conference 2024

3 May 2024

Children in Scotland has today revealed two more speakers for its Annual Conference 2024, with teen cancer survivor and advocate Molly Cuddihy, and Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, Natalie Don MSP, joining the packed lineup of expert voices.  

Held in just one month’s time on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 May at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, the flagship event will bring together delegates, partners and supporters from across the children’s sector, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, network and learn. 

Addressing the conference with a keynote speech on day one, Molly Cuddihy is a passionate advocate for the rights of children and young adults, particularly those living with and progressing from cancer and other serious illness, having been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer when she was just 15 years old. 

Currently a Youth Ambassador for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Molly has a wealth of experience to share with the conference. As co-founder of the charity Every Thank You Counts, and co-ordinator for the acclaimed Radio Therapy podcast (click here for more), which covers themes including mental health, body image and mortality, the inspiring teen will provide fresh perspectives on topics close to her heart. 

Speaking on day two of the conference, Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, will discuss a range of issues relevant to children and young people, and the wider sector, providing valuable insights.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I'm really looking forward to what is set to be another amazing event run by Children in Scotland. 

“I was lucky enough to be invited to their 30th Anniversary Networking event last year where I had the pleasure of meeting a number of past and present staff members, and engaged with the amazing members of the Changing Our World children and young people’s advisory group. 

“As this inspirational group has been heavily involved with the development, planning, and workshop selection for the upcoming conference, I know it will be a very interesting and thought-provoking event where experts in a wide variety of areas can get together to discuss issues impacting children.” 

Alongside powerful keynote speeches, informative panel discussions, and engaging workshops, children and young people’s voices will be central to both days of the Annual Conference, with representatives from Changing Our World (CoW) (click here for more) co-chairing the programme. 

Ensuring attendees hear directly from the young Scots they work with and for every day has been a key goal for Children in Scotland when planning the Annual Conference 2024, and further highlights of the programme include co-designed workshops and interactive sessions, covering everything from supporting neurodivergent children to suicide prevention, Artificial Intelligence, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, learning through play, youth homelessness, and many more topics. 

For further information, interviews and all media requests please contact Alice Hinds: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk or press@childreninscotland.org.uk

Annual Conference 2024

Join us on 29 & 30 May at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Click here to book

Meet our speakers and presenters

Learn more about the experts joining us at our Annual Conference 2024

Click here for more

Changing our World

Supported by Yopa, Changing our World is our children and young people’s advisory group

Find out more

Our membership offer

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

Click here for more

Participation and engagement work

Find out more about how we embed the inclusion and participation of children and young people in our work

Click here for more

Our services

We offer we offer a range of services that provide support, advice and representation for children and families

Click here for more

Nicola Killean joins expert lineup for Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2024

26 Feb 2024

Children in Scotland is delighted to announce the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Nicola Killean, will chair the first day of its up-coming Annual Conference 2024.

Held on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 May at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, the flagship event will bring together delegates, partners and supporters from across the children’s sector, with a range of keynote speakers, exhibitors, workshops and networking sessions available over the two days.

As part of Children in Scotland’s commitment to participation and engagement, Nicola will co-chair with a young person, and will introduce contributors and share reflections as the packed programme gets underway.

Joining an exciting, expert lineup of sector leaders still to be announced, Nicola says the Annual Conference will be a welcome opportunity to discuss and dissect some of the big issues facing children and young people today.

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said: “I am delighted to be co-chairing Children in Scotland’s annual conference for a day with a young person. The conference is a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge and reflect on good practice on how children’s rights are being delivered in Scotland. With the implementation of the UNCRC Act on the horizon, it’s an even more significant time for adults, young people, and children to come together to share experiences with the aim of making children’s rights a reality for all children in Scotland.”

Simon Massey, Children in Scotland’s Head of Engagement and Learning, said: “We are so excited to announce that Nicola will be jointly chairing the first day of our Annual Conference. I am looking forward to welcoming her to what I hope will be regular involvement in our flagship event, and keen to hear about her first few months as the Children and Young People’s Commissioner. As always, we’re really looking forward to bringing people together from across the children’s sector to share ideas, collaborate, network and learn.”

For further info, interviews and all media requests please contact Alice Hinds: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk or press@childreninscotland.org.uk

Annual Conference 2024

Join us on 29 & 30 May at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Click here for more

Learning opportunities 2024

Discover our learning programme for the year ahead

Click here for more

Our 2021-26 Manifesto

Explore the changes in policy and legislation we believe the Scottish Government must make

Click here to read

Media enquiries

Our communications team welcomes press requests on child policy topics

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Yopa extends support of Children in Scotland after a successful year of partnership working

13 Feb 2024

Award-winning estate agency, Yopa, has extended its partnership with Children in Scotland, providing crucial support for children and young people across Scotland.

The partnership, which began in September 2022 for an initial six-month period, has gone from strength to strength and by the end of the next phase, Yopa will have supported Children in Scotland’s work for 18 months, helping the organisation to fund its young people’s advisory group, Changing our World (CoW). Comprising of members aged eight to 25, CoW ensures that young voices are part of national decision making campaigning on issues such as the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scot’s Law.

With an interest in improving children’s health and wellbeing in Scotland, Yopa has supported CoW’s recent work addressing the harms of vaping and the way it is marketed to young people. CoW members have had the opportunity to voice their concerns during ministerial meetings with Scottish Government and recently compiled an evidence paper on the use of vapes and other tobacco products in education settings. Both organisations welcome news of plans to ban single use vapes.

Sharing an appreciation for the value of community, Yopa has also sponsored key Children in Scotland events, including its annual conference, mental health conference and 30th anniversary reception. These events have brought together representatives from across the children’s sector to push forward progress in areas such as mental health and wellbeing, learning and inclusivity and children’s rights.

Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, said:

“The Yopa Scotland team works at the heart of our local communities, and many of us are parents too; we all want the best for our young people and the places they grow up in, and we're delighted to be able to support an organisation working for the same goal. Like Children in Scotland, we believe that every young person should have equal access to art, culture, education and opportunities, and live in a world free from discrimination.”

Simon Massey, Head of Engagement and Learning at Children in Scotland, said:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Yopa and to work with an organisation who shares our vision that all children in Scotland have an equal chance to flourish. Yopa’s contributions have already made an enormous difference to our work at such a critical time given the challenges children, young people and their families currently face in Scotland. We look forward to seeing the impact of Yopa’s support during this next stage of our partnership.”

Media Contact

Sophie Ward 
Senior Communications Officer
sward@childreninscotland.org.uk

Yopa

Award-winning estate agents supporting Children in Scotland.

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Changing our World

Supported by Yopa, Changing our World is our children and young people’s advisory group

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Membership

Find out about Children in Scotland membership

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Corporate Opportunities

Find out more about how your business can get involved and support our work

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Vaping Evidence Paper

An evidence paper from Changing our World, Children in Scotland's young people's advisory group.

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Children in Scotland welcomes ban on single use vapes

2 Feb 2024

Following the welcome news of plans to ban single use vapes, Children in Scotland is today calling on the Scottish Government to consider the recommendations of children and young people to further curb the sale and use of tobacco products, including regulating the marketing, display and packaging of e-cigarettes, and implementing better education programmes within primary and secondary schools.

Having identified vaping as a concerning area for discussion, Children in Scotland’s young people’s advisory group, Changing our World (CoW), recently compiled an evidence paper on the use of vapes and other tobacco products in education settings, adding to existing bodies of evidence around the impacts of vaping, while also recommending key areas for policy change.

Over nine group sessions, CoW members, aged 18 to 25, shared first-hand experience of vape use among their peers, expressing concerns about a lack of knowledge around the health impacts of vaping, the marketing of e-cigarettes and vapes, the environmental impact of such plastic products, and how schools are responding to the issue of vaping among pupils.

With members sharing that children and young people now “feel pressure to have a puff” due to the popularity of vapes within social groups – not to mention the “childish flavours” that encourage under-18s to try vaping when they wouldn’t have otherwise tried cigarettes – CoW concluded that more needs to be done within schools to address e-cigarette use.

As well as concluding that a total ban would be the most effective measure for addressing the challenges posed by vapes, CoW also recommended the following:

  • Vaping products should be less visible in shops, similar to the current regulations around displaying cigarettes
  • The packaging of vaping products should be regulated and only permitted to be plain, making the products less eye-catching or appealing to children and young people
  • Personal and Social Education (PSE) in primary and secondary schools should cover vaping, with current resources adapted to become more relevant.

With the Scottish Government committed to reducing youth vaping, Children in Scotland would like to see children and young people invited to be more fully involved in developing future solutions, using recommendations from groups like CoW to put practical, impactful legislation in place.

David Mackay, Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy, Projects and Participation, said: “We wholeheartedly support the government’s plans to ban single use vapes and raise the legal age for the sale of tobacco, especially as research suggests that almost one in five adolescents has tried vaping.

“Changing our World’s evidence paper shows that children are just as worried about the impact of e-cigarettes as adults, and we would now urge decision makers to take further action to curb the harmful impact of vaping by working directly with the young people who are being affected.

“The younger generation can provide vital, fresh perspectives on issues that impact their lives every day, and with The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) now part of Scottish legislation, it’s never been more important to listen to young people’s views and take their recommendations into account.”

Changing our World member, Roderick, said: “It’s a welcome surprise to learn that disposable vapes will be banned. Since disposable vapes are so common amongst young people today, banning them will be a huge step forward in helping young people across the country to avoid the dangers of nicotine use.”

Click here to access the Changing our World and Children in Scotland Vaping Evidence paper

For further information, interviews and all media requests please contact Alice Hinds: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk or press@childreninscotland.org.uk

Changing our World

Supported by Yopa, Changing our World is our children and young people’s advisory group

Click here for more

Annual Conference 2024

Join us on 29 & 30 May at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Click here to book

Our services

We offer a range of services that provide support, advice and representation for children and families

Click here for more

Learning opportunities 2024

Discover our learning programme for the year ahead

Click here for more

Our 2021-26 Manifesto

Explore the changes in policy and legislation we believe the Scottish Government must make

Click here to read

Media enquiries

Our communications team welcomes press requests on child policy topics

Click here for more

Ambitious itinerary announced for ‘30 Hills in 7 Days’ CEO challenge

8 Nov 2023

With just days to go until Children in Scotland's Chief Executive takes to the hills – aiming to climb 30 peaks in seven days – she has announced her ambitious itinerary for the challenge

Dr Judith Turbyne, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, Scotland’s national children’s sector network, is taking on the challenge to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, and the important work that it has done over the past three decades to uphold children’s rights and support a workforce that is increasingly under pressure.

Judith will start her challenge in the hills around Dundee and Angus on Saturday 11 November and, through the week, climb the peaks of Fife, Stirling and the Trossachs, Aberdeenshire and the Lothians. She will finish her challenge on Friday 17 November as she descends Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

Her full itinerary includes:

A table with three columns date area and hills and a list of 30 hills spanning seven days

Judith said: “As the challenge grows closer I am feeling a lot of excitement, and a touch of trepidation, but mostly overwhelming gratitude for all those who have supported me so far. We have raised just over £1,000 for Children in Scotland, but more importantly shed a light on the incredible work this organisation is doing, every day.

“The days are getting shorter and I am going to have to plan well to fit it all in. When the Scottish rain is beating down and my legs are getting sore, I will think of all the amazing young people we work with who are helping us to effect change, and our members across the children’s sector who are themselves working under significant challenges with passion and grit.

“Things are getting tougher for our members and the children and young people we and they are working with and for. We need to look at ways of building our resilience as an organisation to continue to support the sector. This is just a small contribution, but I am excited that I can do this for the organisation.”

On 7 June 2023, Children in Scotland celebrated its 30th anniversary. For three decades the organisation has been championing the voices of children and young people, ensuring they are at the heart of policy and decision making, and being a leading force for workforce development. Their membership brings together more than 430 organisations and individuals from schools, charities and nurseries to NHS Boards, local authorities and community interest groups.

Throughout her challenge, Judith will be fundraising for Children in Scotland. To support Judith in her 30 Hills challenge, click here to visit her fundraising page: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/30-hills-challenge-celebrating-30-years-of-children-in-scotland.

Follow her challenge online using the hashtag #30Hills.

Media Contact

Julie ThomsonCommunications & Marketing Managerjthomson@childreninscotland.org.uk

Celebrating our successes at 30

JudithTurbyne is Chief Executive of Children in Scotland

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The Learning Guide July-December 2023

Our latest guide includes a range of learning opportunities to meet your needs

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Our services

We offer we offer a range of services that provide support, advice and representation for children and families

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Vision and Values

Our values set out Children in Scotland's beliefs and qualities

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Our membership offer

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

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Media enquiries

Our communications team welcomes press requests on child policy topics

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