Those taking part said they were honoured to be invited

Thirty-two current and former volunteers who have served at children’s hearings across Scotland were guests of the King and Queen at the Royal Garden Party in Edinburgh yesterday (2 July).

The volunteers were invited to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in recognition of their services to infants, children and young people.

Gathering with fellow volunteers before the garden party, Pat Hastings, a former Area Convener for Panel Members in Edinburgh, said: “Wow, what an honour to be recognised and receive an invite. I’m feeling proud!

“Through my various volunteer roles in the Children's Hearings System, I have gained tremendous skills from the training, and from working as part of a team, making decisions in the best interests of children and young people in Edinburgh.

“Volunteering has made me the person I am today, giving me confidence and insights that have had a positive effect in business and my personal life.”

Children’s hearings are legal meetings set up because there are concerns about the wellbeing or care of an infant, child or young person. Three Panel Members sit at each hearing, where decisions are made in the best interests of the child. There are more than 2,000 volunteer Panel Members who sit on more than 20,000 hearings across Scotland each year.

Children’s Hearings Scotland recruits, trains and supports Panel Members and is always keen to hear from people interested in volunteering. The annual campaign to recruit volunteers takes place in September, and in the meantime you can register your interest in becoming a Panel Member.

Elliot Jackson, Chief Executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our volunteers who are making important decisions in the best interests of infants, children and young people across Scotland.

“I’m delighted to see them celebrated and honoured in this way, recognising the positive outcomes their service brings for so many people.”