Chris Gray Email and Phone Number

Working with Children 1st leadership team to support the development of processes to evidence the operational effectiveness of Bairns Hoose, with focus on young persons rights based participation and robust information management, and evaluation processes, whilst drawing on principles ofethical research in delivering European PROMISE ELPIS research project.· To promote partnerships and networking with statutory and non-statutory agencies for the purpose of influencing and promoting best practice within Bairns Hoose and further establish Children1st as a lead for Scotland in Promise Barnahus Network· To develop effective working relationships across the whole organisation, including staff from Children and Family services, Public Policy, Fundraising, Finance and Administration and volunteer supporters.· To promote and effectively represent Children 1st in a wide range of situations, in particular ensuring that the views and feedback from children, young people and families influence systems change.· To develop effective relationships with a wide range of external personnel and agencies including staff from statutory and voluntary organisations, government agencies, funding bodies and commercial sponsors.

As part of the Bairns Hoose leadership team, I'm responsible for the development, testing and refinement of the complex multiagency and multidisciplinary activities of the Bairns Hoose. I ensure a person centred and coordinated approach to care, protection, and justice and lead recovery focused, trauma informed practice that minimises the potential for re-traumatisation and ensures that recovery for the child, young person and their family, starts from the point they are referred to the Bairns Hoose

I led a pilot delivered in partnership between Children 1st and West of Scotland Health Boards, providing advocacy and support to children, young people and their families following Child Sexual Abuse, Assault or Exploitation. The pilot was funded through the work of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Taskforce for the improvement of services for adults and children who have experienced rape and sexual assault.The first of its kind in Scotland, the pilot had local and national significance seeking to deliver effective advocacy support to children, young people and their families. The pilot aimed to -* better understand and meet the holistic needs of children, young people and their families who report sexual abuse or exploitation* Identify the gaps in support and recovery for children, young people and families who disclose abuse while providing information and guidance on how to access services that are available* build local knowledge of the ‘pathway’ of support for children, young people and families in the West of Scotland region which covers roughly half of the population.

I was elected by SASW members in April 2020 and duties include attending and participating in regular Committee meetings; sharing professional knowledge skills and expertise with Committee members; and undertaking designated tasks on behalf of the Committee as required. I have contributed and shaped the SASW Development Plan in partnership with the Chair, Vice Chairs, SASW National Director and staff. I also contribute to the co-ordination of the strategic direction of the activity of the Committee within the overall policy framework of SASW/ BASW and represent the Committee at key national and local conferences and events when required.

Based within the Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, I support projects focused on children and young people with care experience. I am responsible for establishing co-production groups, and providing ongoing support for young people involved in co-production. In addition, I support the research team in qualitative interviews and analysis exploring care experienced young people who have used services like peer mentoring, creative arts projects, and projects oriented to empowerment and addressing inequalities. I enjoy being part of a dynamic research team within the Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection and continue to develop advanced research skills in qualitative and participatory methods particularly in relation to co-production and the dissemination of results to different audiences.

The organisation raises awareness of child sexual exploitation and trafficking in Indonesia, raising money for counselling, scholarships and safe houses for victims

I developed a service for young people who have experienced sexual violence and their families. Providing individual therapeutic support for young people who have experienced sexual violence. Creating a group support programme for survivors, and contributing to the Schools and Communities Prevention Programme. Developing policy and procedure across the service and specifically in relation to young people. Securing funding, working in partnership with relevant agencies and in consultation with young people themselves.

Sharing in the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the activities of the organisation. Working alongside the rest of the Board and Development Manager to ensure that we have a clear vision, mission and strategic direction.

Providing confidential and responsive information and support to survivors of sexual violence. Ranging from sexual harassment and stalking through to child sexual or ritual abuse and rape. I also supported relatives and friends of survivors, as well as providing information and support for other professionals who worked with survivors. I facilitated access to local support services, recording relevant information and contributed to the development of Rape Crisis Scotland policy and procedures.