Recruitment to the National Safeguarders Panel is Open Now!

Children and young people say that a good Safeguarder is someone who is approachable, friendly, shows that they care about them, and sees them as unique individuals.

When a child or young person is involved in a children’s hearing or court case, it can feel really scary, and difficult and life-changing decisions will often need to be made about their future. Safeguarders are appointed by Ministers and have a unique and important role in children’s hearings and related court proceedings. Their role is to support the process to focus on the child’s best interests.

“It makes you feel like you can trust them if they’re friendly (the Safeguarder). You can kind of automatically tell if someone is kind and if you can trust them.” (Young Person)

While skills and knowledge are important in this role, these professional qualifications are secondary to the core values of the person to children and young people. They want warmth and genuineness, and someone who can see them for all that they are without judgement.  This is the kind of person that Children First is looking for.

A Safeguarder ensures that the best interests of a child or young person are considered, that their views are heard and taken into account, and that their human rights are protected. The recommendations made by a Safeguarder can help inform and influence the decisions made at a hearing.

“A Safeguarder should be hopeful that the Panel or Sheriff will make the right decision for the child.” (Young Person)

Children First is contracted by the Scottish Government to manage the national Safeguarders Panel.  On behalf of Scotland’s children and young people they are looking for individuals who can:

• Keep a strong focus on the child or young person’s best interests in children’s hearings and related court proceedings.
• Listen to and engage with the child or young person while gathering and analysing relevant information, so that you can make recommendations that are clear, well-reasoned, and justified.
• Work effectively as an individual and alongside others connected to the role.
• Have the values, skills and experience to uphold the vision of the national. Safeguarders Panel to be excellent, transparent, consistent and respectful for children and young people and their human rights.

Applications are now invited from individuals who are motivated to undertake this key role.

Applications are welcome from individuals who are willing to travel to Safeguarder appointments in the areas of West Dunbartonshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll and Bute.

Pre-Appointment Assessment and Training: Candidates who are successful at interview will be required to attend all 6 pre-appointment (full day) assessment and training sessions. These sessions are part of the interview process. The first session will be held in-person in Perth, and the remaining 5 sessions will be held online using Teams.

Candidates will have the option to choose to attend either the weekday sessions (Monday – Wednesday) or the weekend sessions (Friday – Sunday).