Young people from Orkney are being urged to join a group that makes a big difference to children’s rights in Scotland. 

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean works with Young Advisors – human rights defenders aged between 12 and 17 – who play a vital part in shaping her work. 

The group is looking for applicants from Orkney. No experience is necessary and expenses are paid. 

Current Young Advisor Elsie said:

“It’s made me feel like I’ve made a change. There’s a reward of ‘I’m making a difference, I’m helping people, I’m changing the world one step at a time’.”  

The Commissioner and her team promote and protect children’s human rights and the Young Advisors group – now recruiting more members – works with the office on lots of different projects, sharing their opinions, and influencing decision-making.  

In the past year, Young Advisors have: 

• spoken at the United Nations in Geneva, and international rights events in Croatia and Romania, 
• helped to plan and present online assemblies attended by thousands of children, and 
• worked in schools with the Commissioner to find out their peers’ views and experiences of education. 

Commissioner Nicola added:

“Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do, and the Young Advisors play a key part in helping us to promote and protect children’s rights.  

“But of course children aren’t just one group of people who all think the same and act the same, and it’s really important that we have a wide range of young people to bring different experiences and opinions. That’s why I’m encouraging children from Orkney to apply. 

“We’re really excited to welcome new members to our Young Advisors Group.”  

Applications close on February 1. For more information, visit the Commissioner’s website at www.cypcs.org.uk