Elliot Jackson, National Convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), is delighted to announce the appointment of three new volunteer roles. This week we welcome Karen and Jane, our new Area Convener and Depute Area Convener for the Highland and Moray Area Support Team, as well as Richard who will be taking up the role of Depute Area Convener for the East Renfrewshire Area Support Team.

These volunteer roles are vital. Together they manage a team of volunteers while developing new ways of working for their areas. They work closely with local partners, communicating with Panel Members and leading on, and implementing, national improvements at the local level. A key role is also to make sure that the views of young people are heard and acted upon within their area.

After a robust recruitment process, three fantastic volunteers have been appointed to join the CHS community. They are all highly experienced and bring unique knowledge to each of their roles.

Karen has recently retired from the NHS where she trained as a nurse. For the previous eight years she was a senior manager with NHS Grampian. Throughout her career, she has been heavily involved in child protection and has had a public health focus, which will be of great value in her role as Area Convener. Karen takes up her role on 9 April 2020.

Jane has, throughout her working life, tried to uphold the best interests of children and young people from a legal or mediation perspective. Throughout her career Jane has developed skills in engaging with individuals, building working relationships, with a key focus on being empathetic and actively listening – essential skills for her new appointment. Jane took up her role on 16 March 2020 and she will be working alongside the current Depute Area Convener, Mairi.

Richard takes on the role of Depute Area Convener, after being a Panel Member for two years. He worked for many years in the Ambulance Service, managing and co-ordinating major incidents. He has extensive experience of working in teams through operational, tactical and strategic levels which is directly applicable in his new role. Richard took up his role on 1 April 2020.

Elliot Jackson, National Convener, and Chief Executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said:

“The roles of Area Convener and Depute Area Convener require strong leadership and excellent teamwork. The two work in partnership with local stakeholders at a strategic level while supporting our volunteer Panel Members whose aim is to improve the outcomes for infants, children and young people. We are extremely pleased to welcome Karen, Jane, and Richard to these vital roles within the local communities of Highland and Moray, and East Renfrewshire. I look forward to working them all.”