Children’s Panel volunteers in Ayrshire with almost 250 years of service between them have been given some well-deserved recognition.

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) recruits, trains and supports volunteer Children’s Panel Members who make legal decisions with - and for - children and young people in children’s hearings.

The Children’s Panel also works with volunteer Area Support Teams (ASTs), which provide support and guidance to Panel Members locally.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Children’s Hearings Scotland and the Ayrshire area support team.

At the recent annual recognition event, at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, panel members and AST members from across Ayrshire were celebrated for their long service.

Elliot Jackson, the national convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland, joined in the celebration and presented the awards.

Irvine Times: Lisa Owen, Clerk to the Ayrshire Area Support Team based at North Ayrshire Council, with National Convener Elliot Jackson and (right) Area Convener Erica Edwards Lisa Owen, Clerk to the Ayrshire Area Support Team based at North Ayrshire Council, with National Convener Elliot Jackson and (right) Area Convener Erica Edwards (Image: NAC)

The 2023 awards ranged from five to 30 years, with the longest-serving awards being handed to East Ayrshire panel member Shelagh Convery, who was presented with an award for 30 years’ service to the Children’s Panel. 

Tracy Smith, also an East Ayrshire panel member, was presented with an award for 20 years’ service and Heather Grierson, who serves on the panel for North Ayrshire, was presented with an award for 15 years’ service.

In the Area Support Team, area convener Erica Edwards was presented with a 10-year award while Alan Corbett, depute area convener, was presented with a five-year award.

Sandy Brown, who is retiring as the depute area convener, received an award for seven years’ service to the Children’s Panel. 

The three depute provosts for Ayrshire - John Sweeney for North Ayrshire, Claire Leitch for East Ayrshire and Mary Kilpatrick for South Ayrshire - were also present to offer their congratulations, alongside South Ayrshire councillor William Grant.

Cllr Sweeney said: “It was great to be part of this special day and meet volunteers who selflessly give up their time to support the work of the Children’s Panel.

“The roles they play are vital in ensuring that young people get the support and guidance they need and deserve. I would like to congratulate – and thank – every one of them for their service.”