maybe admin can sticky this on all the forums as it's pretty important....

At this time every year the Childrens Hearing system look to recruit new members.  You don't need to be academic, have any particular qualifications or to have children yourselves.  All you need is to have been a child.  That childhood can have been the best in the world or not quite so good.  All that is asked is that you bring your own experiences in life to help troubled young people.

Age isn't important either....  young or old....

Adverts are being placed in the Courier, the P&J and other local papers in order to reach as wide an audience as possible. 

The Scottish Executive actively encourage employers to allow staff to take part in this.  Unfortunately it's unpaid but expenses can be claimed.

There is a great need in particular for folk in the Inverness, Caithness and Sutherland areas as well as over the rest of the Highlands.  And for some reason there is a dearth of men.....  The hearing system cannot work without them!

I've copied a bit here about it and it contains a link to the recruitment site.

Please think about this - there are many of you on here that would make great panel members.  If you want to discuss it more please feel free to contact me.

Ex-children wanted

We are now recruiting people from all walks of life to sit on the children?s panel. This year?s campaign runs from 20 August to 21 September.

Who are we looking for?

We?re looking for anyone over 18 who can make good, common sense decisions; essentially people who can commit a few hours a month to help vulnerable children in their area. These children may have been neglected, abused, in trouble at school or with the law.

Scotland?s unique children's hearings system relies on the involvement of around 2,500 people from all walks of life, who give their time and commitment voluntarily to train and serve as children's panel members.

Every year we recruit around 600 new panel members across Scotland and once again we would like to hear from people who feel that they can contribute to their children?s panel to help local children and young people.

What is expected of you?

Panel members are selected and trained to sit on children's hearings in their own local authority area. Children are referred to the hearings system because they are considered to be at risk or have offended. At each hearing, panel members work with the child, parents or carers and professionals to make decisions which are in the best interests of the child.

No particular qualifications are necessary because full training is provided. However, you will have an interest in the welfare of children.

How to get involved

To find out more about panel membership and how to register your interest, visit our recruitment website www.infoscotland.com/childrenshearings.

I did follow this up but found that the training days are on saturdays and clash with my other activities, ie season ticket.

it's not many saturdays....  and some times they land on away games....

so if you're too late for this year there's always next....

if you have any questions about it PM me....