Ministerial Appointment – Safeguarder in the Children’s Hearings System

Children and young people are clear that Safeguarders should be friendly, care about them, and see them as unique individuals.

Safeguarders are appointed by Ministers and have a unique and important role in children’s hearings and related court proceedings, supporting the process to focus on the child’s best interests. 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.

“It makes you feel like you can trust them (the Safeguarder) if they’re friendly. 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 we are looking for.

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

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

Children 1st is contracted by the Scottish Government to manage the national Safeguarders Panel. On behalf of Scotland’s children and young people we are looking for individuals who can:

• Maintain an unwavering focus on the child or young person’s best interests in Children’s Hearings and related court proceedings
• Communicate with and be attuned to the child or young person in the assimilation and analysis of information to make clear, reasoned and justifiable recommendations
• 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

“Come in as a human, not as a professional.” (Young Person)

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

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who are willing to travel to Safeguarder appointments in the areas of East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, East Dunbartonshire, Highlands, Stirling, Argyll and Bute, Renfrewshire, Glasgow, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Fife, South Lanarkshire, and Midlothian.

Closing Date: Friday 29 July 2022 at 12 noon

Interview Date: It is anticipated that interviews will be held between 22 August – 09 September 2022

Pre-Appointment Assessment and Training: Candidates who are successful at interview will be required to attend 6 pre-appointment assessment and training sessions. It is anticipated that these sessions will be held online between 31 October – 20 November. Candidates will have the option to choose to attend either the weekday sessions (Monday – Wednesday) or the weekend sessions (Friday – Sunday).

‘After recently completing the pre-appointment training and assessment, I feel I have a greater understanding of the Safeguarder role, as well as feeling better equipped to undertake the role. I also feel confident that there is a good support network around.’ (Safeguarder)

Salary: Fees are claimed for work undertaken. The position does not attract a fixed salary and fees and expenses for reasonable travel and subsistence costs are available for each appointment. Please note: There is no payment for attending Pre-appointment Assessment and Training, support sessions or on-going requisite training (see Children 1st website for further details)

Question and Answer Online Drop In: We will be holding two Question and Answer Drop-In Information Sessions for anyone who is interested in finding out more about the role. These will be held online on Wednesday 15 June between 5.30 – 7.00pm and on Thursday 23 June at 12 noon – 1.30pm. Please contact us for joining instructions.

If you are unable to attend either of these days and would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact the national Safeguarders Panel Team Tel 0345 604 4296 or email safeguarderspanel@children1st.org.uk and or visit the Safeguarders Panel webpages

Reference: CFS22/34

Location: Throughout Scotland EH9 1AT

Post: Sessional

Salary: No fixed salary