Safeguarders Panel
Hello! If you are here because you have a Safeguarder now, then you may have a lot of questions and worries.
It’s important that you and your family feel comfortable, safe and empowered when engaging with a Safeguarder. This page is to help you understand what a Safeguarder is and what they do.
Start by watching this video – this will give you a short introduction to Safeguarders. Next click through the links below where you’ll find some answers to the questions you might have.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then please get in touch with us!
Children 1st is contracted by the Scottish Government to manage and operate the national Safeguarders Panel.
Find useful information about roles, policy and guidance, training and events, and resources.
Find information and resources to clarify the role of a Safeguarder in the Children’s Hearing System and how you can support children and young people with their understanding, participation and highlighting mechanisms to provide feedback to the Safeguarders Panel Team.
Get to know a little bit more about Safeguarders
You will find a lot of the answers to the questions you have about your Safeguarder in the sections below, they will help you understand what the journey ahead might look like and the role your Safeguarder will play.
A breakdown of the role of a Safeguarder.
Some FAQ about the Safeguarding process.
The rights of the family and child during the Safeguarding process
What do children and young people say about Safeguarders?
Given the significant role that Safeguarders play in Children’s Hearings for children and young people, it is essential that we are listening to their views and experiences as much as possible. By listening and considering what they have to say, children and young people’s voices can influence the recruitment, training, and practice of Safeguarders.
This report describes the views and experiences of children and young people who have been involved in the Children’s Hearings System and the youth justice system.
We have a range of helpful links for support and other resources that will help you through this process.
What is the Safeguarders Panel Team?
Safeguarders belong to the national Safeguarders Panel. This is made up of all the Safeguarders across Scotland. Each Safeguarder has agreed to follow national standards to make sure they do the best job they can. You can read the national standards here.
Any child or young person, who a Children’s Hearings or Sheriff decide should have a Safeguarder, will have a Safeguarder appointed to them from this national panel.
Children 1st is contracted by the Scottish Government to manage and operate the national Safeguarders Panel. The role of the Safeguarders Panel Team, who are based at Children 1st, includes recruitment, training, managing appointments, feedback and concerns, and monitoring the performance of Safeguarders across Scotland.
We are currently working remotely, with limited access to office and incoming mail. Please contact us by phone or email where possible to avoid delay.
Tell us about your experience
If you or someone you know has had a Safeguarder, tell us about your experience.
Your views and opinions help us make sure that Safeguarders are doing their best to protect the best interests of the children and young people they work with.
Have a concern with your Safeguarder? You can raise a concern here.