North Ayrshire Council maintains a dedicated pool of volunteers who serve on the Education Appeals Committee which plays a vital role in supporting fair and accessible education for children and young people across the authority.
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people, we invite you to consider becoming a volunteer member of the Education Appeals Committee.
We welcome applications from:
No prior panel experience is required as training and ongoing support will be provided to all appointed volunteers, ensuring you feel confident and well‑prepared for the role.
Becoming a volunteer member is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your experience, judgment and community perspective to important educational decisions.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer member of the Education Appeals Committee, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Alternatively, please complete a paper copy of the Volunteer Application Form.
Completed paper copies of the volunteer application form should be submitted to committeeservices@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or to Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE.
*Please note that applications cannot be considered from individuals currently employed by the authority within the Education service.
Closing date for applications is Friday 26th June 2026.
References
As part of your application, we require references from two persons to whom you are well known (normally for at least 2 years) to confirm your suitability to carry out the duties of a voluntary member. These persons should not be a partner or related to you.
The reference request form can be completed at the following link: Volunteer Reference Request Form.
Alternatively, please complete a paper copy of the Reference Request Form.
Completed paper copies of the reference request form should be submitted to committeeservices@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or to Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE.
Additional Information
The role of the Education Appeals Committee:
The Education Appeals Committee is made up of 1 Elected Member and 2 Lay Rep volunteers. Education Appeals meetings take place when an appeal has been made by parents/cares as a result of a placing request being refused by the authority or to appeal the exclusion of a pupil. The Education Appeals Committee has the power to overturn the decision of the authority.
The timescale for this is governed by legislation and appeals would normally be heard within 28 days of receipt of the appeal being submitted to Committee Services.
At the appeal hearing, which is chaired by the Elected Member, the Legal Clerk will introduce all those present and explain the role that each person plays. The parent/carer has the right to be represented at the hearing and to be accompanied by up to 3 supporters. A representative from the Education service will also be present to give the reasons behind their decision.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Appeals Committee will make their decision in private, and this is communicated to the parent/carer and the authority in writing, within 14 days.
Expenses
There is no remuneration for being a volunteer member, however, any travelling expenses incurred (and for all day meetings, lunch costs up to the value of £10) in relation to an Education Appeals Committee will be met by the authority.
To submit an expenses claim, please complete the Volunteer Expenses Claim Form and return to committeeservices@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or to Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE.