About Children 1st
Our vision is that children in Scotland will be safer, will grow up in strong, resilient families and will have access to early help and support when they need it. They will have their rights protected in all areas of their lives. Prevention of harm to children, stronger, more resilient families and communities, greater respect for children’s rights and strong partnerships and community engagement will be our measure of success.
Our core values guide how each one of us works in our individual day to day job:
- Respect - Treating everyone with respect and fairness
- Integrity - Being responsible and accountable
- Participation - Involving others in our work
- Excellence – Striving for the highest possible standards
For over 130 years Children 1st, the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, has been working to give every child in Scotland a safe and secure childhood. The principal objectives of Children 1st are to prevent the abuse and neglect of children in Scotland and to protect the interests and welfare of children who may be at risk.
We do this by
- providing direct services to vulnerable children and young people, helping them to rebuild trust and confidence and to be more able to deal positively with the difficulties in their lives
- supporting parents and carers so that they can provide the best possible care for their children
- sharing our expertise with others, both professionals and volunteers who work with children and families through training and consultancy
- speaking out on behalf of vulnerable children, young people and families to positively influence relevant public policy and practice
Our work with children, young people and families informs and influences all our policy and campaigns. Not only do we try to influence legislation, we also campaign to change attitudes towards children and young people and to help create a better experience for all children.
Our work includes:
- Befriending and mentoring
- Children and young people at risk of exclusion
- Family Group Conferencing
- Healthy lifestyles for young people
- National listening and talking services
- National training services
- Recovery from sexual, physical and emotional abuse and trauma
- Rights, advocacy and mediation
- Safer care/child protection
- Early years and early intervention
- Community engagement
We speak out on:
- Child protection
- Children's rights
- The concerns that children, young people and families bring to us
Board of Management
Board members are volunteers and include people from different backgrounds, with relevant paid or unpaid work or other experience who contribute to the wide range of skills, knowledge and experience of the Board. Regional members are appointed following election by members, other Board members are appointed following public advertisements which specify the skills and knowledge requirements of the organisation.
Children 1st is governed by the Board of Management which is responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation, the overall determination of the charity’s business plan and organisational policy, and for monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive. The Board meets at least six times each year and consists of up to fifteen members. Each Board member may serve for two periods of three years in total. The exception is for office bearers who may stand for three periods of three years. A succession plan is in place.
Children 1st's Executive Leadership Team consists of:
- Chief Executive
- Director of Finance and Corporate Services
- Director of Fundraising and Communications
- Director of Children and Family Services and External Affairs
The Chief Executive chairs the Executive Leadership Team which meets twice a month. Local and national services are managed by Service Managers who report in turn to the Assistant Directors who report to the Director of Children & Family Services. In addition, the Director of Children and Family Services leads on public policy influencing and external communications.
Central support services for the charity is based in our registered office in Edinburgh and include finance, human resources, learning and development, administration, fundraising, communications, ICT, management information services, property, quality assurance and health and safety.
For an overall picture of the organisation please visit our website www.children1st.org.uk
Documents for download: