Jamie Speirs

Ms Speirs was previously a volunteer solicitor with the specialist hub for children’s rights before joining as a permanent staff member last month.

The first new masterclasses cover the implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and what it means for public authorities, the children’s hearings system and court orders under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

Ms Speirs said: “I’m delighted to join this wonderful charity and at a time when its specialist services offer vital support to help implement children’s rights. Professionals are operating in a fast-changing child policy environment and children and families are struggling with the increasing complexity of life.

“Our volunteer solicitors make this specialist hub of support possible. They are all wonderful children’s rights advocates who give their time freely and who know, from their direct engagement, how knowledge of child law and rights empowers lives.”

Director Sarah Forster added: “As a nationwide charity, we are embracing every opportunity to support the embedding of children’s rights across Scotland. Our new masterclasses and further training programmes will target some of the legal areas where our specialist support is most required.

“As a specialist hub, we aim to prevent any breach of children’s rights, but we are known for our undiluted focus on the child when breaches do occur. Sadly, based on our experience, this happens too often.

“The future has to be less about trendy tick box talk and more about legally binding law. Our doors are wide open to any new partners and individuals who wish to join us on this journey.”