Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland

@cypcs.bsky.social

536 Followers 263 Following

The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland promotes and safeguards children's rights.

Social media graphic featuring Nick Hobbs, Head of Legal, alongside the quote: “We’re using these new, stronger legal powers to effect positive change in children’s rights.” The Commissioner’s logo and a colourful sunrise illustration appear on the right.
Graphic advertising a Solicitor role at Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The design has a dark blue background with a judge’s gavel image and the Commissioner’s red logo. Text reads: “Solicitor. Full time | Permanent. £45,426 – £54,166 (Grade 4). Secondments welcome. Closing date: Midnight – 12th July. Interviews: Week of 3rd August.” The lower section says “Why Apply?” and lists: “Drive legal change – Use new UNCRC litigation powers to shape Scots law. Lead on key cases – Tackle high-profile children’s rights issues. Join a bold team – Make a real impact in a values-led organisation.”
An advert for the Commissioner’s online assembly on Friday, April 24, at 9.30am, says: “Kick off the World Cup build-up and come to our online assembly for primary-aged children! Be inspired by a girls’ football team who challenged discrimination, meet World Cup winner Rose Reilly, who overcame unfair treatment in football, learn more about the right not to be discriminated against.”
Graphics of a megaphone and a football boot and ball are on a purple background. White text says: “Kick off the World Cup build-up and come to our online assembly for primary-aged children! Be inspired by a girls’ football team who challenged discrimination, meet World Cup winner Rose Reilly, who overcame unfair treatment as a female footballer in Scotland, learn more about the right not to be discriminated against." It has details of the assembly on Friday, 24 April at 9.30am, no registration needed, and with BSL interpretation. The logos of the Children’s Commissioner, e-Sgoil, Scotland’s Assembly, and BSL Interpretation are included.
Graphic for #InternationalDayOfEducation titled “Our work on education, with children and young people.” The Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears at the top. On the left are photos including the report “This is our lives, it matters a lot” and a group photo from the Shoogle Lab. On the right, a checklist highlights key work: publishing a report on children’s experiences of school and recommendations for change; Young Advisors gathering views in schools and sharing children’s experiences with inspectors and the United Nations; research exposing barriers faced by care experienced children in education; children with additional support needs sharing what would make learning easier; and Shoogle Lab bringing children and education leaders together to strengthen participation in education.
Graphic for #InternationalDayOfEducation showing a classroom scene in soft focus behind a cartoon avatar labelled “Elsie.” The Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears in the top right. Large white text reads: “A good teacher listens to us, not just our words, but also our behaviour, which can sometimes say even more.”
We wish you season's greetings. Please note our office is closed over Christmas (from Wednesday, 24 December, 2024, and reopening on Monday, 5 January, 2026). We will not be able to respond to any enquiries during this period and inboxes/voicemail will not be monitored. Please refer to the FAQs on the website for information on the most common rights issues and alternative sources of advice and support. If you are concerned that a child may be at immediate risk of harm, please urgently contact your local Social Work Department or Police Scotland (dialling 999 in an emergency).
Black text on a blue background says “Children share their everyday rights essentials”. There are colourful graphics of children, books, food, a heart, and the United Nations logo on a Scottish saltire. The Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s logo is in the top right corner. The hashtags Human Rights Day and Our Everyday Rights are in the bottom right corner.
A large group of Young Advisors, the Commissioner’s team, and education leaders pose together at the end of the Shoogle Lab event. Everyone is smiling and holding up shoogle props like maracas, soft toys, and colourful objects. Two young people kneel at the front holding a “The Shoogle Lab” sign. Behind the group is a red Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland backdrop.
Two people stand smiling in front of a bright red backdrop with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo. On the left is an adult woman with light hair tied back, wearing a black top and an orange lanyard. On the right is a young person with dark wavy hair, holding a red CYPCS-branded microphone and wearing a black top with a lanyard.
Commissioner Nicola, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Young Advisors, and Prof Laura Lundy shake in front of a red screen ahead of the Shoogle Lab.
Quote text appears on the left over a blue-tinted photo of Dame Evelyn Glennie playing large outdoor metal chimes. The quote reads: “Listening is the foundation of every meaningful educational journey. When we truly listen to children – attentively, and without assumption – we recognise their insights as an investment in our collective future.” Her name appears beneath the quote. On the right is the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and the bright pink Shoogle Lab logo, surrounded by colourful icons representing rights, wellbeing and learning.
A graphic with a dark blurred background of children sitting indoors. Large white text reads: “Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is a positive step, but more measures can be taken to tackle child poverty. Children have told me how concerned they are about the effect of poverty on themselves, on their families, and on their friends. They’ve talked about how it ruins childhoods.” In the bottom right is a photo of Commissioner Nicola Killean sitting and looking at the camera. In the top right is the red Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo. Under the quote, Nicola Killean’s name and title appear in red and blue text.
A promotional graphic for “The Shoogle Lab” showing children walking out of a school building. The headline reads “Let’s shake up education together! Take part and have your say!” A quote from a teacher says: “We had a lot of fun doing the activities and the teaching points were received well. As the game went on the frustration went up, specifically about their voices not being heard.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and “The Shoogle Lab” title are on the right. Icons include maracas, a calendar, and an envelope. Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk
A small group of Young Advisors sit around a table during a workshop. One young person is holding up a colourful sheet of paper covered in drawings and notes, while the others look on and chat. Bright pens, drinks and a hoodie are scattered on the table in the meeting room.
A promotional graphic for “The Shoogle Lab” showing children walking out of a school building. The headline reads “Let’s shake up education together! Take part and have your say!” A quote from a teacher says: “We had a lot of fun doing the activities and the teaching points were received well. As the game went on the frustration went up, specifically about their voices not being heard.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and “The Shoogle Lab” title are on the right. Icons include maracas, a calendar, and an envelope. Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .
Digital poster promoting an online assembly for primary-aged children celebrating World Children’s Day and the right to be heard. The background shows children smiling and raising their hands. Main text reads: “Online assembly for primary-aged children. Join children across Scotland to celebrate #WorldChildrensDay & the right to be heard.” It lists activities: “Take part in a fun body percussion session with Solar Bear, learn about children’s rights and the UNCRC, share their views about where they feel heard.” Details: Thursday, 20 November, 9:30–10:00 am. “No registration needed — join live! With BSL interpretation.” Logos for BSL Interpretation, Scotland’s Assembly, e-Sgoil, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, and Solar Bear appear at the bottom.
A colourful graphic promoting the Shoogle Lab from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The headline reads: “Let’s shake up education together! New fun activities for primary-aged children.” It invites teachers to join in the Shoogle Lab to explore: How opinions are shared in school Who gets listened to How decisions are made Children can: Play a game about fairness and power Share how listened to they feel Roleplay about voices being heard Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .” The image background shows smiling school children walking together, and the Shoogle Lab logo is shown on the right.
A colourful graphic promoting the Shoogle Lab from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The headline reads: “Let’s shake up education together! New fun activities for primary-aged children.” It invites teachers to join in the Shoogle Lab to explore: How opinions are shared in school Who gets listened to How decisions are made Children can: Play a game about fairness and power Share how listened to they feel Roleplay about voices being heard Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .” The image background shows smiling school children walking together, and the Shoogle Lab logo is shown on the right.
Digital poster promoting an online assembly for primary-aged children celebrating World Children’s Day and the right to be heard. The background shows children smiling and raising their hands. Main text reads: “Online assembly for primary-aged children. Join children across Scotland to celebrate #WorldChildrensDay & the right to be heard.” It lists activities: “Take part in a fun body percussion session with Solar Bear, learn about children’s rights and the UNCRC, share their views about where they feel heard.” Details: Thursday, 20 November, 9:30–10:00 am. “No registration needed — join live! With BSL interpretation.” Logos for BSL Interpretation, Scotland’s Assembly, e-Sgoil, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, and Solar Bear appear at the bottom.
Text on a background showing a flooded street reads: “Those experiencing poverty are more likely to suffer the effects of climate change. Low-income households are 8 times more likely to be flooded. There are social dimensions to vulnerability to climate change, the effects of extreme weather events will not be distributed evenly.” Below, smaller text reads: “Response to Consultation on the Draft Environment Strategy.” On the right, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears above an illustrated Earth showing one half sad and polluted, the other green and healthy.
Navy graphic with a large white quote: “We hope MSPs will support us in keeping the pressure on the SFA and the SPFL to remedy this long-running issue which continues to risk the violation of children’s rights to protection from economic exploitation.” — Nick Hobbs, Head of Legal. CYPCS round logo appears top right and a white-outlined football icon sits bottom right.
Blue graphic with CYPCS logo. Large white quote reads: “The inappropriate use of restraint can amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and is a breach of children’s human rights.” Attribution below: Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. Orange weighing-scales icon on the right.
Quote graphic from Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. Text reads: ‘One thing is for sure, our participation was real, and we weren’t just there to tick a box.’ — Robert, Young Advisor. Background shows UN flagpoles; inset photo shows Robert in a red-and-white top seated at a UN desk with a nameplate reading ‘ROBERT’ and the UN emblem.
Graphic with a dark blue background featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The quote reads: “Children have a right to good mental health care, but too often this is falling short. Six years on it is unacceptable that young people are unable to see or feel the impact of the changes that have been promised.” The word “unacceptable” is highlighted in red and “have been promised” in yellow. Nicola Killean’s name appears in red text, followed by her title in blue text. The logo of the Commissioner’s office is in the top right corner, and a photo of Nicola Killean is on the bottom right.
Graphic with a quote from Farida Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education: “Young people are here and they’re talking truth to people in power without being intimidated.” On the left is the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and a background photo of UN flags. On the right, Young Advisor Robert stands smiling with Farida Shaheed inside the UN building.
Four young people stand together on stone steps in front of a large glass doorway. They are smiling slightly and dressed in casual clothes, with the sun casting strong shadows.
A young person wearing glasses and a red-and-white Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland shirt sits at a United Nations desk. In front of them is a nameplate reading ‘ROBERT,’ and the UN emblem is visible on the desk panel.
A person wearing a red jacket and white trousers stands smiling outside the United Nations building in Geneva. The tall stone building has large vertical windows and the UN emblem above the entrance. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds.
Robert stands in an ornate, brightly-coloured room at the UN in Geneva.
Robert, a Young Advisor, stands outside the United Nations building in Geneva, smiling at the camera. The large stone building with “United Nations” written above the entrance is visible behind him.
"Illustration for ‘Friday #BeFriendly’ from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. A yellow cartoon bear wearing purple sunglasses and teal boots holds a smartphone, with a small bird perched on its arm. Text reads: ‘Relationships and feeling connected to other people is one of the most important ways to positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.'
Graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The text reads: "Think about all the positive attributes you have that make you unique. Exam results aren’t the only way to measure success so be proud of yourself." Nicola Killean is pictured smiling in a yellow blouse, with the Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo in the top right corner. In the background, a blurred image shows a person holding a pencil over an exam paper.
A group photo of around 50 children and adults on a football pitch, with a large quote overlaid in white text. The quote reads: “Participating in sport can help children access a range of rights, like their right to play, and their right to the best possible health. Sport can also positively impact children’s right to development and socialisation.” – Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The Commissioner’s logo appears in the bottom right corner.
A photo of a large hand‑drawn poster on white paper, taped to a cinder‑block wall. At the top, in bold red marker, is the title “Young Carers…!!” Beneath it are five simple blue line drawings of young people—arms outstretched, smiling—and one wearing a headscarf. Scattered around them are speech bubbles reading: “be proud!” “be yourself!” “have fun!” “we are amazing!” Brightly colored thumbs‑up sticky notes (in pink, yellow, and green) are affixed around the poster, adding a playful, celebratory touch.
Graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland. The quote reads: “The UNCRC has been part of our law in Scotland for one year now – it’s a huge step forward for children’s rights but there is still much more to do.” The text is in bold blue and red font. The Commissioner’s logo appears in the top-right corner, and a stylised sunrise icon in blue, yellow, and orange appears in the bottom-right.
Landscape recruitment flyer for the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. On the left, job details include: "Legal Officer (Solicitor), Full time | Permanent, £45,428 – £54,166 (Grade 4)." Closing date is "17:00 on Monday 21st July"; interviews will be "Week commencing Monday 11th August." On the right, a header reads “Why Apply?” followed by four bullet points: "⚖️ Drive legal change – Use new UNCRC litigation powers to shape Scots law" "📂 Lead on key cases – Tackle high-profile children’s rights issues" "📣 Work with children – Amplify their voices on complex rights issues" "💥 Join a bold team – Make a real impact in a values-led organisation" The flyer includes icons and a red circular logo for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in the top right. Background includes soft legal imagery such as a gavel and child illustration.
A bold, graphic poster against a dark navy-blue background. In the center is a large pale-yellow circle. Overlapping its left edge is a stylized red megaphone pointing right, with three navy-blue “sound rays” emitting from its mouth. At an angle inside the upper left of the circle, in black sans-serif type, it reads: “Tell His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.” Centered near the bottom of the circle, also in black bold type, is the subtitle: “Our Young Advisors’ views on school inspections.” Below the circle, on the navy field, are two white bullet points: • Relaxed atmosphere creates comfort • Good communication before, and after inspections In the lower right corner is a small red circle containing the white logo text: “Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.”
Landscape recruitment flyer for the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. On the left, job details include: "Legal Officer (Solicitor), Full time | Permanent, £45,428 – £54,166 (Grade 4)." Closing date is "17:00 on Monday 21st July"; interviews will be "Week commencing Monday 11th August." On the right, a header reads “Why Apply?” followed by four bullet points: "⚖️ Drive legal change – Use new UNCRC litigation powers to shape Scots law" "📂 Lead on key cases – Tackle high-profile children’s rights issues" "📣 Work with children – Amplify their voices on complex rights issues" "💥 Join a bold team – Make a real impact in a values-led organisation" The flyer includes icons and a red circular logo for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in the top right. Background includes soft legal imagery such as a gavel and child illustration.
“Child poverty is a result of policy choices. It doesn’t have to be this way.” In the bottom corner are logos for the Children’s Commissioners of the UK: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England.
Illustration showing a person shouting into a megaphone next to a large speech bubble that says "We're recruiting!" Below, it reads: "Legal Officer (Solicitor) Full time, Permanent £45,428 – £54,166 Grade 4 Closing date: 17:00 on Monday 21st July Interviews: Monday 11th August 2025." The image also includes an icon of justice scales and colourful sparkles for decoration.
A graphic featuring a powerful quote from a young person in S2: “Chances are I wouldn’t be here alive today if not for e-Sgoil.” The quote is displayed in bold white text on a blue-tinted background image of a young person wearing headphones and using a computer. Below the quote, the attribution reads: “Young person in S2” in bold yellow text. To the right, there is an image of a report titled “Alternative education provision for children: Learning from the e-Sgoil model” with a red and blue megaphone icon labelled “GOOD PRACTICE.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears in the top right corner.
A graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, alongside the cover of a report. The quote reads: “Too many children are being let down by the current education system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential. But this isn’t happening for lots of children who have care experience.” Her name and title appear below the quote in red and blue text. To the right, there's a colourful cover image of a report titled: “Exclusion labelled as support” – Care Experienced children in Scotland’s education system, published by Who Cares? Scotland and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. In the background is a faded image of a young child resting their head on a desk in a classroom.
Promotional graphic for the International Day of Play online assembly. It invites children across Scotland to celebrate children’s rights on Wednesday, 11 June. Details include: An online assembly for primary-aged children, a focus on the right to play, rest and leisure, a chance to share views that will inform international work on physical health rights, and a draw-along session to create a Rights Rabbit character with a talented illustrator. The event runs from 9:30am to 10:00am and requires no registration. It includes BSL interpretation. The graphic features the logos of Scotland’s Assembly, e-sgoil, and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The background shows children playing with building blocks.