Applications are now closed and we are unable to accept any more.

Apply now – no experience needed, support given, and your expenses paid 

Our group of Young Advisors needs new members – and it’s an exciting role that makes a big difference to children’s rights in Scotland. 

The group – human rights defenders aged between 12 and 17 from all over Scotland – plays a vital part in shaping Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean’s work.  

What do Young Advisors do? 

They have lots of fun while pushing for change in children’s rights in Scotland!  

Young Advisor Robert at the United Nations in Geneva

They meet to share their opinions, tell us about other children’s experiences, and influence the office’s work. In the past year, they have been supported to: 

• speak at the United Nations in Geneva, and meet young people from all over Europe in Croatia and Romania to talk about children’s rights 

• help plan and present events like online assemblies for primary-aged children, and 

• go into schools with the team to listen to children and young people on education. 

Lewis has made a fantastic video about being a Young Advisor.

How much time do I have to give? 

The Young Advisors meet once a month, either online or in-person, and there will be other meetings if you are working on a particular project. You can choose which areas you would like to be involved in. We know how busy you can be and there is never any pressure on you. We want you to enjoy being part of the group.  

Will it cost any money? 

No. We pay your expenses to take part, for example for trips and travel from where you live – no matter where you are in Scotland.  

Who can apply and how do I apply? 

You must be aged between 12 and 16 to apply, and you must live in Scotland. It’s important that we work with children from all over the country, with different views, backgrounds, and experiences. 

We offer lots of support to suit individual needs. You don’t need to have any experience in an organised group – in fact, we want to especially include children who haven’t done anything like this before.  

Apply online by Sunday, 1 February, 2026. If you need any help with your application, or more information, please contact Elaine on elaine.kerridge@cypcs.org.uk 

What do our Young Advisors say? 

Coco said: “You might think you need to know everything but a lot of being a Young Advisor is giving your own opinion, and learning new things.” 

Niamh said: “Since starting being a Young Advisor just over a year ago, I am much more comfortable speaking up in group settings in order to share my views and opinions. I am also much more comfortable speaking to new people, including adults and authority figures in the wide variety of situations that you end up in as a Young Advisor.” 

Elsie said: “It’s made me feel like I’ve made a change and obviously there’s no physical reward but there’s the mental reward of ‘I’m making a difference, I’m helping people, I’m changing the world one step at a time’.” 

What does Commissioner Nicola say about the Young Advisors? 

Commissioner Nicola says: “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 that’s why it’s really important that we have a wide range of children to bring different experiences and opinions. 

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