MORE men and young people are being sought to increase diversity and play a crucial role in supporting Scotland’s children.

Children’s Hearings Scotland has launched a drive to recruit 500 new panel members, with a desire to better represent society.

Boyd McAdam, national convener and chief executive, explained: “We are a listening organisation.

“What we are hearing loud and clear from children and young people attending hearings is that they want to see more diversity on the national Children’s Panel.

“Whilst the average age of panel members has fallen in recent years we know we need to do more.

“We also wish to increase diversity in terms of life experience that people across Scotland can bring to the role.”

Volunteer panel members attend hearings where decisions are made with and for young people in their local community for positive changes.

Visit childrenspanelscotland.org, applications close on midnight on September 17.