Public appointment: Member reappointed to Children’s Hearings Scotland Board

The Minister for Children and Young People today announced the reappointment of Jo Derrick as a Member of the Children’s Hearings Scotland Board.

Member

Jo Derrick has held leadership roles in the fostering and children’s services sector for more than 20 years. Jo brings with her a breadth of experience of governance having served as a Non-Executive Director on a number of charitable boards. With a particular interest in ensuring that the voices of all those involved are heard equally and that children and young people are fully involved in decision-making in their lives, Jo is committed to ensure the values of Children’s Hearings Scotland are integral to its governance.

Reappointment

This reappointment will be for two years and will run from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2025.

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £4487.76 for a time commitment of twenty four days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Jo Derrick does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Jo Derrick has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The children’s hearings system is Scotland’s unique system for care and justice for children and young people.  It aims to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people in Scotland who may be at risk, through a decision-making lay tribunal, the children’s panel.  The fundamental principle of the system is that children and young people who offend and those who require care and protection are equally deserving and should be considered as children in need.

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is a public body established under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011.  CHS became fully operational in June 2013 and is led by the National Convener who also acts as Chief Executive and Accountable Officer. 

CHS supports the National Convener, who is responsible for the recruitment, training, support and development of panel members.  Support at a local level is provided by Area Support Teams (ASTs), established, with the consent of each local authority, by the National Convener.

CHS works in partnership with the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA), local authorities and other agencies, using its influence to drive improvements across the children’s hearings system