Round table

Well, more of a rectangular one. Over the past few months there have been various comments/ concerns being expressed about aspects of the children's hearings system. How we deal with complexity; how we respect others' views; how we keep the child at the centre as an apparent increasing number of people become involved in the hearing protecting rights. Is the system geared up to the new demands being placed on it and the volunteers operating within it.

Rather than initiate a debate on the pages of the media the leadership of the "three pillars" of the hearings system and other experts came together today in Stirling to discuss what lay behind the need for these comments and to explore what might be done to address the concerns expressed.

This was the start of discussions and we agreed that more evidence was needed rather than anecdotes. And a recognition that work was already underway in what is a very complex area to seek improvements. No one action will resolve matters. What was agreed was that all players in the system had the aim of putting the child at the centre - and where they did not, they should.

Various issues were identified and over the coming weeks and months they will be considered and options explored to ensure that the best decisions can be taken to support vulnerable children and young people.