FAQ's: Children's Panel

Am I eligible for jury service while I am a Children’s Panel member? Members of the Children’s Panel are not eligible for jury service during their appointment to the Children’s Panel.

How can I find out more about becoming a Children's Panel member in Inverclyde and, more generally, about the Children's Hearings System? You can talk to someone about becoming a member of the Children’s Panel and about the Children’s Hearings System by contacting the Clerk on the details shown on the contacts sectio…

How do I become a member of the children’s panel? Inverclyde Council normally runs an annual autumn campaign to encourage new people to join the Children’s Panel. Open evenings are held in late September/early October. Anyone thinking o…

How much time would I have to give to being a panel member? Panel members are expected to do, on average, one or two hearing sessions a month, normally during the day. However, emergency Hearings may need to be arranged at other times as necessary. An …

What happens if I work during the day? Panel members have a legal right to have reasonable time off work to attend hearings but your employer’s co-operation is essential - you should discuss panel membership with your em…

What is the Children's Panel? The Children's Panel is a group of specially selected volunteers who make decisions about children who have been referred to children's hearings. In Inverclyde, there are currently 58 …

What kind of people are panel members? If you are aged over 18, you can volunteer to become a Panel member. There is no upper age limit. Applications are invited from men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds who have an und…

What qualifications do I need to join the Children’s Panel? No special qualifications are required for Children’s Panel membership - common sense and an ability to listen are essential. People who care for the welfare of children and young people…

What training commitment is involved in the Children’s Panel? The Pre-Service programme for the Children’s Panel involves approximately 40 hours of training divided into several sessions. Training is held between January and April with sessions bei…

What will I gain out of being a panel member? You will gain an understanding of the problems facing children and families and you will have an opportunity to help these children. This can be a source of real satisfaction. You will learn a…

Will I be Paid? No, Panel members are not paid. However it is recognised that Panel members undertake a certain sacrifice in the giving of their time on Panel duty. While payment of expenses cannot be conside…