Ministerial Appointment – Safeguarder in the Children’s Hearings System

Are you someone who cares passionately about children and their rights being respected? Are you friendly and can communicate with children? You may be interested in becoming a Safeguarder.

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 are 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 Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, East Ayrshire, Falkirk, Fife, Highlands, Moray, and North Ayrshire.

Reference: CFS23/30

Location: Various locations throughout Scotland
Hours: Flexible

Closing Date: Friday 28th July 2023 at 12 midday

Interview Date: It is anticipated that interviews will be held between 21st August – 8th September 2023.

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:

30th October – 19th 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 essential training (see Children 1st website for further details)

Question and Answer Online Drop In: We will be holding three 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 Thursday 8th June (11.30am-12.30pm), Wednesday 21st June (5-6pm), and Wednesday 19th July (5-6pm). Please contact safeguarderspanel@children1st.org.uk 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 on 0345 604 4296 or email safeguarderspanel@children1st.org.uk. You can also find more information on the Safeguarders Panel webpages

To apply, please download and complete the attached Application form, Application exercise, Equal Opportunities form, and Self Declaration form and email completed forms to hr@children1st.org.uk or send to Human Resources, Children 1st, 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh EH9 1AT.