@cypcs.bsky.social
The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland promotes and safeguards children's rights.
Great to see the UN spotlighting young people’s voices—including our Young Advisor Robert, one of only five children invited to speak in Geneva—on why early childhood care and pre-primary education must be recognised as part of the right to education.
bit.ly/4nn5LGt
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.
The Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League gave evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament yesterday. They made concessions regarding the treatment of youth footballers.
Read our response: bit.ly/46G4R0M
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.
Commissioner Nicola Killean speaks today at the @parliament.scot Education, Children & Young People Committee on the Restraint & Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill. We support Daniel Johnson MSP’s Bill and call for statutory, human-rights-based guidance.
Read more: bit.ly/47Yxo3W
SFA and Scottish FA give evidence now on rules for child footballers.
Our Head of Legal: “The underlying issue here, and it always has been, is that the clubs principally view these children as economic assets...SFA has made rules which are in the interests of clubs and not of the children.”
We’re excited to support Young Advisor Saif to take part in the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children's conference in Romania, working with other young people from all over Europe on the right to physical health. Find out more: bit.ly/4mlRbhe
18.09.2025 11:12 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Tomorrow @parliament.scot debates the SPCB Landscape Review and we welcome the Committee’s report and scrutiny
which has reasserted the value and ongoing need for the office of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.
Read our full briefing:
www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/sp...
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.
From Scotland to Geneva! Our Young Advisor Robert took children’s voices to the UN on the #RightToEducation, speaking as 1 of only 5 children invited globally 🌎 — a first for
UN treaty-drafting.
What was it like?
Read his blog: bit.ly/3IdsYvB
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.
New research by our office, SAMH & YoungScot shows not enough is being done on mental health. The Scottish Government accepted Youth Commission on Mental Health Services recommendations, but 6 years on, lack of transparency means young people feel little progress & change.
Read more: bit.ly/3KhwSUD
Speaking today @ Education Committee & Work & Pensions Committee, the Commissioner talked about the impact of child poverty, progress Scot Gov has made & what more could be done. We also urged the UK Gov to scrap the two-child limit, which would pull 20,000 children in Scotland out of poverty.
10.09.2025 11:35 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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.
Our Young Advisor Robert made history as 1 of 5 children globally adressing the UN in Geneva, the first time the Human Rights Council involved children in treaty-drafting. Speaking on free education & educational barriers he said: “I wasn’t just there to tick a box.”
👉 bit.ly/41D1sxX
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 stands inside a large United Nations conference room with curved rows of desks and screens. A big display screen shows a live view of the chamber, and the atmosphere is formal and official.
A young person wearing a red and white top and sunglasses stands in front of the United Nations building in Geneva. They are framed by two long rows of flagpoles flying national flags on either side.
And that’s a wrap! Young Advisor Robert participated in a UN discussion about the right to education. We are so proud of him, and proud that we have supported him to have his voice heard at the epicentre of human rights. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Read more : bit.ly/461AiSC
What are the barriers to children receiving pre-school education? Robert tells the UN options don’t always work for families, settings might not be accessible for disabled children & transport might be an issue.
02.09.2025 14:38 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0Young Advisor Robert told the UN about barriers some children face in accessing education. He talked about our report with Who Cares? Scotland, which highlighted difficulties care experienced children face. He said: “Some only receive 30 minutes of education a week.”
02.09.2025 11:33 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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.
“Education is not just reading, writing & maths but also learning about human rights, different cultures, and the natural environment.”
Children must be heard by decision-makers and Young Advisor Robert told the UN about the importance of free pre-primary & secondary education.
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.
Here we go! After weeks of planning, Young Advisor Robert addresses the UN today. He is representing Western Europe & is one of five children speaking for their peers from all over the world. He’ll be talking about the right to education, updates to come. Good luck, Robert!
02.09.2025 08:10 — 👍 4 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Robert stands in an ornate, brightly-coloured room at the UN in Geneva.
Opening the session at the UN, Ms Nada al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, said to the 5 children: “Your participation is not symbolic but essential.”
We completely agree & are proud to support children to be heard in places of power.
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.
Big week for our Young Advisor Robert! 🌍 He’s at the UN in Geneva representing Western Europe. Tomorrow he’ll speak on the right to education, sharing insights from two years of work with the Commissioner & children across Scotland.
01.09.2025 08:24 — 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Sport can help realise a range of children’s rights. Commissioner Nicola spent an evening with children at Musselburgh Windsor FC. Thanks for having us! Read more: bit.ly/4oYFEXy
29.08.2025 08:16 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0⏰ Applications close midnight tonight! Join our bold team as a Legal Officer (Solicitor) and help create a better future for children and young people across Scotland. ⚖️
Full time, 37 hours
£45,428 – £54,166
Apply: bit.ly/46mNkMl
⏰ Last chance to apply! Step into the role of Legal Officer (solicitor) and empower the Commissioner to act when children's rights aren't respected.
Applications must be submitted before midnight on Wednesday 27th August.
Apply: bit.ly/40I5X9Y
👩⚖️ We're recruiting! Step into the role of Legal Officer and empower the Commissioner to act when children's rights aren't respected. As part of our bold team, you’ll promote, protect and defend the human rights of every child in Scotland.
Apply: bit.ly/40I5X9Y
"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.'
We’re proud to be the #BeFriendly Friday partner for #ScottishChildrensHealthWeek with Children's Healh Scotland 💚. Join us on 5 Sept to support every child’s right to the best possible health.
Full activity book 👉 www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scott...
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.
♥️ It's #SQAResults today which can be a day of mixed emotions. Think about all the positive attributes you have that make you unique - and remember your value is more than grades. #NoWrongPath
Read more: bit.ly/47fYFyh
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.
⚽ Commissioner Nicola Killean spent a morning with children
from Hillwood Community Trust & praised campaigners who have established a life-changing community sports hub. Sport builds fitness, resilience, connection, joy, & helps realise a range of rights.
Read more: bit.ly/4mcnJdG
Two of our Young Advisors travelled to Croatia to work with other young people from all over Europe on the right to physical health. Their recommendations will be finalised in September: bit.ly/4fhXnFc
29.07.2025 10:15 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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.
Seven young people wearing white T‑shirts and casual pants or shorts—some holding camera gear—standing in a line on a sunlit grassy field alongside Commissioner Nicola Killean in a pink suit and sunglasses; behind them are trees, inflatable play structures, and a partly cloudy blue sky.
Celebrated the UNCRC’s 1st anniversary in Scots law alongside amazing young carers at #ScottishYoungCarersFestival. However their stories & struggles remind us there’s more work to do to ensure their rights are respected, protected & fulfilled.
Read more: bit.ly/4eYF6wu
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.
Today is the first anniversary of UNCRC incorporation into Scots law. Having children’s rights in law is a huge milestone but it’s just one step. We’ll keep holding people in power to account so every child in Scotland can have their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled.
16.07.2025 09:28 — 👍 16 🔁 14 💬 0 📌 1
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.
⏰Last week to apply!
Join our bold team as a Legal Officer (Solicitor) and help create a better future for children and young people across Scotland.
📅 Apply by Mon 21 July: bit.ly/46mNkMl
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.”
🏫 Open, relaxed HMIE inspectors make school visits a more effective experience for everyone. Clear communication is key. Our Young Advisors shared their views with Education Scotland as part of engagement work into improving school inspections. 🗨️
Read more: bit.ly/4lP4mY9
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.
👩⚖️ Step into the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) and empower the Commissioner to act when children's rights aren't respected.
🛡️ As part of our bold team, you’ll promote, protect and defend the human rights of every child in Scotland.
Apply: bit.ly/40I5X9Y
