Last week we introduced you to the Children’s Panel recruitment campaign, with a week to go until the campaign ends we would like to introduce you to a recent panel member, David Rundell.

Having recently retired, David joined the panel 6 months ago and here he gives an insight into what it takes to be a Panel member and an overview of the training he undertook. We hope that David’s experience encourages you too to be a part of the Children’s Panel.

David Rundell
David, aged 63 from Blackhall in Edinburgh, is retired and has been helping vulnerable children in the local community for over six months as a Children’s Panel member.

He completed the new member training in April and sat on his first hearing session in May.  He explains, “I applied for the panel a few years ago but it wasn’t the right time.  As I retired in 2009 I now have more time to devote and I’m pleased I waited as is it is a role that you need to commit to. 

I’m a parent and I’ve always been interested in helping children.  I was on the school PTA and the School Board so getting involved in the Children’s Panel was a natural follow on from that. 

Joining the Children’s Panel is not something to be taken on lightly.  The training is very good but it is challenging.  It’s very interactive and participatory.  You learn a lot from working as part of a group and you need to actively take part.  Every new member is nervous at their first hearing but you really are very well trained for the role. 

The pre-service training is quite a lot and takes up about seven days over weekends in the first four months, together with four evenings and some day-time panel observations.   The weekends are very intensive and sessions last from 9am until 5pm with guest speakers and lectures.  About 80 per cent of the course is role play and case studies, which is great.  You do study some of the legal background behind the system but it’s presented in a way that is practical and relevant.

If you’re interested in becoming a panel member then go for it!  If you‘ve thought about it then do take the next step and find out more.  The training will help you overcome any doubts you have and bring out all the skills you need.”

To register your interest in becoming a panel member, call 0845 601 2770 or text PANEL 4 to 61611.  Further information on the Children’s Panel is available at www.childrenspanelscotland.org.