Dedicated local members of the Children’s Panel have been honoured at a special event.
The Central and West Lothian Area Support Team (AST) hosted the celebration in the Burgh Halls, Linlithgow to recognise the achievements of Panel Members from across West Lothian Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.
This event brought together over 85 panel members as well as the Central and West Lothian Area Support Team (AST) and Provosts from each area.
Panel Members attending the event received presentations marking the completion of training, acknowledging the work of long serving members and celebrating the awarding of a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Children Hearings: Panel Members (SCQF Level 7).
Along with other long serving Panel Members, Arthur Robertson (15 years), Malcolm Evans (20 years) and Charlie McGinty (20 years) were recognised for long service to the Children’s Hearings System within the West Lothian area.
Don Lawrie, area convener, Central and West Lothian AST said “Panel Members are special people, giving their precious time to help others, putting something back and helping someone who is less fortunate.
“Panel Members make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society and I cannot think of anything more noble than to help others in need.
“Thank you for being Children’s Panel Members, you are definitely a force for good.”
West Lothian Provost Tom Kerr attended the event and presented the West Lothian Panel Members with their certificates and gifts.
He said: “The Children’s Panel is high end volunteering, it’s not something that you can just give a few hours here and there, it is a huge commitment and requires dedication and for the Panel Members to give up a huge amount of their time to be able to fulfil the role to the high standard that is expected.
“On behalf of West Lothian Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers for their dedication and continued commitment to the role.”
