The Children's Panel is a group of specially selected volunteers who make the decisions about children who have been referred to Children's Hearings.
The recruitment drive for new members usually takes place in the autumn and advertisements are placed on social media, national newspapers, and are usually backed up with a radio/television advertising campaign.
Prior to the closing date for applications, an information evening is held to allow individuals to come along and ask questions about the role.
The Central and West Lothian Area Support Team then select potential Panel members through an application and interview process. The final appointment decision is taken by the National Convener, Children's Hearings Scotland.
If you are selected as a Panel member, you will attend a comprehensive initial training programme in preparation to attend Hearings.
As you serve on the Panel, you will attend further training and meetings to ensure that you are kept fully trained in order to participate in Hearings.
After your initial training, you would usually be expected to attend 1 or 2 Children's Panel Hearings per month.
In addition to attending the Hearings, you would need to prepare by reading the background reports before a Hearing. You will also need to undertake some in-service training to keep up to date with any changes in legislation and practice.
It is difficult to quantify the exact time you will need to set aside, as it may vary every month, but it is a considerable commitment.
Panel members are not paid for their work, but can claim any travelling, subsistence and a contribution to loss of earnings and child care costs incurred.
If you are interested in becoming a Panel member, please visit the Children's Hearings Scotland website.