Being a Panel Practice Adviser (PPA)
Who are Panel Practice Advisers (PPAs)?
At Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), our purpose is to ensure our hearings make child-centred decisions which respect and protect children’s rights and support them to thrive. We work hard to provide training, support and monitoring across our community of 2,300 volunteers.
Panel Practice Advisers (PPAs) play a key role in our CHS community in helping us meet our aims. They provide quality assurance observations during hearings, offering independent insight into practice. Drawing on our National Standards, PPAs reflect with Panel Members on what went well and identify opportunities for further development.
Working closely with our regional teams, Panel Practice Advisers also support the recruitment and reappointment process for Panel Members.
Helping shape high quality hearings
Panel Members are given extensive training, but, their knowledge, skills and confidence grow with experience. Feedback and guidance from Panel Practice Advisers provides valuable reflection points that support this development.
Across CHS, we promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Observations carried out in regions also help us identify national training needs, ensuring we deliver the best quality hearings for infants, children and young people.
Training for your role
All PPAs complete a one-day Quality Assurance training course, which introduces the skills, processes and approaches used to support and develop Panel Member practice.
If you have not previously served as a Panel Member, you will also complete a short Introduction to Hearings programme. This consists of self-directed reading and learning materials, followed by a one-hour session with a trainer to build your understanding of the Children's Hearings System and the role of Panel Members.
Learning does not stop once your initial training is complete. As a PPA, you will receive ongoing support and development opportunities, helping you continue to build your skills and knowledge as you work with Panel Members across Scotland.
By the end of your training, you will be equipped to support volunteers effectively, promote high standards of practice, and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Support throughout your volunteering
CHS provides a strong support network to ensure you feel confident and equipped in carrying out this important role.
You will be supported by your regional Area Support Team, which includes Wellbeing Coordinators, Partnership Coordinators, Tribunal Delivery Managers and Local Authority Clerks, alongside experienced volunteers who can provide guidance and peer support.
Recognising that supporting others and engaging with complex or sensitive issues can be challenging, CHS offers tailored wellbeing support throughout your volunteering journey. This includes dedicated check-ins at key stages, including three and six months, to help you settle into the role and discuss any support or development needs.
PPAs also have access to reflective conversations, one-to-one wellbeing support, and a confidential external assistance programme offering counselling, emotional support and specialist advice when required.
In addition, the CHS Learning Academy provides a range of wellbeing and development resources, including resilience, self-care and professional practice tools, helping you continue to support Panel Members effectively while maintaining your own wellbeing.
Could you be a Panel Practice Adviser?
Panel Practice Advisers bring the same strong commitment as our Panel Members to our values - challenging, child-centred, creative, respectful fair and open.
Above all, you must care about the welfare of infants, children and young people and to helping us achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
With our training and support, you will develop an understanding of hearing procedures and the skills and knowledge of Panel Members. Can you be an effective communicator with an empathetic approach when giving feedback? Can you be methodical in observing and recording your conclusions?
