ROLE DESCRIPTION
CHILDREN'S PANEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ( CPAC)
CPAC members are expected to play a key role in the appointment, re-appointment and monitoring of panel members' performance across the Children's Hearings system. If appointed the post holder will be expected to remain in post for a period of three years. Re-appointment is based on the satisfactory completion of CPAC training and feedback from the CPAC Clerk and Chair.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
What is a Children's Panel Advisory Committee?
A Children's Panel Advisory Committee ( CPAC) is a key part of Scotland's Children's Hearings system. A CPAC is formed by each local authority to advise Scottish Ministers on the appointment of individuals to the 32 children's panels and on matters relating to administration of the panels. The role involves working as part of a committtee in the recruitment, selection and monitoring of the children's panel members. The majority of members on each CPAC are volunteers appointed by Scottish Ministers; the remainder are volunteers nominated by the local authority.
Under the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, CPAC members are responsible for:
- Submitting names of possible panel members to Scottish Ministers;
- Advising Scottish Ministers on the suitability of persons referred to them as potential panel members;
- Advising Scottish Ministers on such matters relating to the general administration of the panels as may be referred to them.
Scottish Ministers will refer the following matters to CPAC members for advice:-
- The volume of work which may be expected to fall on each children's panel;
- The number of panel members to be appointed to the panel;
- The duration of appointments and re-appointments of panel members;
- The candidates to be considered for appointment as panel Chairs and Deputy Chairs;
- The satisfactory completion of pre-service training by panel members;
- Advice on action to be taken in any circumstances which may cast doubt on the fitness of a panel member to serve;
- The extent to which any further training for panel members may be needed.
Performance criteria
- Consult with committee members prior to the start of panel member selection interviews as to how these will be managed;
- Observe hearings at regular intervals in order to collect sufficient information on which to base an evaluation and thus, a fair assessment of panel members' abilities and performance in the decision-making process;
- Become knowledgeable about the work of panel members within their local authority area. This will involve participation in panel meetings and training sessions;
- Analyse and assess information;
- Keep accurate reports of hearing observations;
- Explain clearly to panel members the set criteria against which performance is measured;
- Be clear about the purpose of each observation, meeting or interview;
- Identify and use only relevant facts and information in order to come to a decision. Identify areas requiring clarification;
- Acknowledge any gaps in panel members' knowledge and seek information and advice from relevant sources;
- Provide constructive feedback to panel members on an individual basis after a hearing and allow panel members opportunities to express a view if they wish to do so;
- Maintain the confidentiality of the hearing and store hearing papers (where applicable) securely;
- Contribute to decisions and recommendations of the committee;
- Articulate own recommendations confidently and give clear reasons;
- Take gender, ethnic and cultural issues into account.