Home / News / Behind the decisions that can change a child’s life

Behind the decisions that can change a child’s life

The Safeguarders Panel Team at Children First has launched two new bespoke eLearning modules that help Safeguarders across Scotland develop the insight needed to make informed, child-focused recommendations.

Safeguarders - appointed by Ministers to protect the rights and wellbeing of children going through legal decision-making processes - play a vital role in Children’s Hearings Panels and Sheriff Court proceedings, helping ensure decisions are made in the child’s best interests.

Posted 25 February 2026

Developed in partnership with eCom Learning Solutions, the new eLearning helps Safeguarders better understand health inequalities and their impact on children’s lives by improving their understanding of the early signs of developmental delays and helping them avoid making assumptions about children or families.

Lisa Goodman, Service Manager at Children First, said:

“Safeguarders have a demanding role. They’re independent practitioners who meet with children and speak to the people around them, then make sense of a lot of information and different views. Having learning that strengthens understanding really helps when you’re pulling that together into clear recommendations about what’s in a child or young person’s best interests.”

She added:

“Because it’s delivered digitally, Safeguarders across Scotland can access the same high-quality learning at a time that works for them, and the practical, scenario-based approach helps them practise applying what they’ve learned in realistic situations.”

Wendy Edie, CEO of eCom Learning Solutions, said:

“It’s been a real pleasure working with the Safeguarders Panel Team at Children First on this eLearning. We know that the work Safeguarders do shapes important outcomes for children and families, and we’re delighted to play our part in supporting that responsibility.”