Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced professionals to become part of an established bank of professionals who will undertake assessments and prepare reports for children’s hearings on an independent basis, as and when required.

When a children’s hearing cannot make a decision, Panel Members may defer the hearing and request a report to provide additional information on the infant, child or young person. Our bank of report writers includes social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals.

Independent Report Writers are based across the whole of Scotland and are able to cover a wide geographical area.

Growing demand

There are more than 21,000 children’s hearings across Scotland every year and requests for independent reports has been increasing in recent years. With only 12 requests back in 2020-21, there was a total of 37 in 2025-26 and we have already had 25 requests since April this year.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to become involved in the important process of supporting children’s hearings in making decisions which can have a lasting impact on the lives of Scotland’s children.

We are currently looking to increase the number of psychiatrists and psychologists on the bank but applicants from social work, education and other related fields can also apply. You will need to be highly skilled with experience of working with children and their families, including recent experience of undertaking professional assessments. A high degree of flexibility is required.

As an Independent Report Writer, you will compile reports at the request of children’s hearings within specific timescales. Some of the responsibilities include:

• undertaking assessments in relation to a child and their family circumstances

• making a professional recommendation about how to progress the child’s case

• engaging with and obtaining the view of the child, family and involved professionals where appropriate

• attending and participating in relevant children’s hearings.

Further details can be found in the Role Description.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form. This is available in both PDF and Word format. Once done, please submit your completed form to independentreports@chs.gov.scot.

The deadline for applications is Monday 16 November at midnight.

For more information, please contact the Practice and Policy team on independentreports@chs.gov.scot.