Nick Hobbs
@nickhobbs.bsky.social
Head of Legal at the office of the Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. @cypcs.bsky.social
Children’s human rights in law, policy and practice.
Children’s human rights in law, policy and practice.
Pinned
Nick Hobbs
@nickhobbs.bsky.social
· Feb 26
Commissioner urges Scottish Government to implement unified legal framework on restraint and seclusion
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, alongside key human rights bodies, has called on the Scottish Government to commit to a unified statutory framework regulating the use of restrai...
www.cypcs.org.uk
See our joint letter, with EHRC, SHRC and the Promise calling on Scottish Government to act urgently and decisively to protect children from unlawful and excessive restraint in all settings.
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
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.”
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.”
September 23, 2025 at 8:54 AM
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.”
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.”
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
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
Read more: bit.ly/3KhwSUD
September 11, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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
Read more: bit.ly/3KhwSUD
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
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
UN treaty-drafting.
What was it like?
Read his blog: bit.ly/3IdsYvB
September 17, 2025 at 12:17 PM
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
UN treaty-drafting.
What was it like?
Read his blog: bit.ly/3IdsYvB
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
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...
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...
SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland briefing ahead of the SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate taking place on 18 September 2025.
www.cypcs.org.uk
September 17, 2025 at 3:03 PM
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...
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...
Good to see @blairmcdougall.com introducing a 10 minute bill to remove crown immunity from SPS.
Our office has been calling on UK and Scottish govts to progress this since 2022. Statements here:
shorturl.at/TaPWJ
shorturl.at/z5SeO
Our office has been calling on UK and Scottish govts to progress this since 2022. Statements here:
shorturl.at/TaPWJ
shorturl.at/z5SeO
Family backs bill to prosecute prisons for custody deaths
Labour MP Blair McDougall is calling for Crown immunity in UK prison estates to be abolished.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 22, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Good to see @blairmcdougall.com introducing a 10 minute bill to remove crown immunity from SPS.
Our office has been calling on UK and Scottish govts to progress this since 2022. Statements here:
shorturl.at/TaPWJ
shorturl.at/z5SeO
Our office has been calling on UK and Scottish govts to progress this since 2022. Statements here:
shorturl.at/TaPWJ
shorturl.at/z5SeO
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
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.
July 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
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.
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
We've responded to the Scottish Parliament's Education, Children & Young People Committee's Call for Views on Daniel Johnson MSP's members bill on restraint and seclusion in schools in Scotland.
www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...
www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill
July 2025. We submitted written Stage 1 evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee to express our support for Daniel Johnson MSP’s members bill on restraint and seclusion
www.cypcs.org.uk
July 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
We've responded to the Scottish Parliament's Education, Children & Young People Committee's Call for Views on Daniel Johnson MSP's members bill on restraint and seclusion in schools in Scotland.
www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...
www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...
Important piece in yesterday's Sunday Post showing why legislation on restraint is so crucial.
We've been calling for statutory provision for 5+ years now. Good to see the govt (finally) offering its support.
Huge credit to the parent campaigners who've driven this. @bethmorrison.bsky.social
We've been calling for statutory provision for 5+ years now. Good to see the govt (finally) offering its support.
Huge credit to the parent campaigners who've driven this. @bethmorrison.bsky.social
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July 7, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Important piece in yesterday's Sunday Post showing why legislation on restraint is so crucial.
We've been calling for statutory provision for 5+ years now. Good to see the govt (finally) offering its support.
Huge credit to the parent campaigners who've driven this. @bethmorrison.bsky.social
We've been calling for statutory provision for 5+ years now. Good to see the govt (finally) offering its support.
Huge credit to the parent campaigners who've driven this. @bethmorrison.bsky.social
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Children have the right to education – but too many Care Experienced children are being let down
@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change
Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland
buff.ly/mQgwYYA
@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change
Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland
buff.ly/mQgwYYA
June 24, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Children have the right to education – but too many Care Experienced children are being let down
@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change
Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland
buff.ly/mQgwYYA
@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change
Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland
buff.ly/mQgwYYA
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Thanks to the 6000 + children who joined us for our #InternationalDayofPlay assembly today with e-Sgoil. Special thanks to the amazing children from Windsor Park
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!
Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!
Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5
Commissioner’s online assembly is child’s play!
Thousands of children enjoyed a play time with a difference – at a special online assembly with the Children’s Commissioner to mark UN International Day of Play.
bit.ly
June 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Thanks to the 6000 + children who joined us for our #InternationalDayofPlay assembly today with e-Sgoil. Special thanks to the amazing children from Windsor Park
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!
Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!
Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
📣 JUSTICE is looking for its next two Legal Fellows, generously funded by @Linklaters LLP!
Fellows assist our legal team on key projects -researching legal reform, reviewing draft legislation, and supporting third-party interventions.
Learn more here: bit.ly/3GYpMTB
Fellows assist our legal team on key projects -researching legal reform, reviewing draft legislation, and supporting third-party interventions.
Learn more here: bit.ly/3GYpMTB
JUSTICE Legal Fellow, supported by Linklaters LLP - JUSTICE
JUSTICE invites applications for two six-month UK legal fellowships. These are paid positions, funded by Linklaters LLP. The successful applicants will work closely with our legal staff: conducting l...
bit.ly
May 19, 2025 at 8:14 AM
📣 JUSTICE is looking for its next two Legal Fellows, generously funded by @Linklaters LLP!
Fellows assist our legal team on key projects -researching legal reform, reviewing draft legislation, and supporting third-party interventions.
Learn more here: bit.ly/3GYpMTB
Fellows assist our legal team on key projects -researching legal reform, reviewing draft legislation, and supporting third-party interventions.
Learn more here: bit.ly/3GYpMTB
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Important new research on deaths in custody and detention in Scotland. Fundamental concerns about investigations, learning & accountability and lack of support for bereaved people. @thesccjr.bsky.social.
://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/
://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/
New Study Reveals Record Numbers are Dying in Scottish Prisons - SCCJR
A major new research study has found the number of people dying in prison has surged to a record number […]
www.sccjr.ac.uk
April 29, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Important new research on deaths in custody and detention in Scotland. Fundamental concerns about investigations, learning & accountability and lack of support for bereaved people. @thesccjr.bsky.social.
://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/
://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
UK Commissioners call for equal protection for all UK children. Scotland was first to ban physical punishment; as did Wales. Children in England & N Ireland are still not protected. All children deserve the same protection from violence as adults.
Statement: bit.ly/4jAwgXh
Statement: bit.ly/4jAwgXh
May 1, 2025 at 7:40 AM
UK Commissioners call for equal protection for all UK children. Scotland was first to ban physical punishment; as did Wales. Children in England & N Ireland are still not protected. All children deserve the same protection from violence as adults.
Statement: bit.ly/4jAwgXh
Statement: bit.ly/4jAwgXh
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Young Advisor Robert blogs on e-Sgoil's Study Support. Our report makes recommendations to improve the education system, including urging Scottish Government to invest more in virtual school models. Robert reveals how he benefited from Study Support.
Blog: bit.ly/4lWaTRO
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Blog: bit.ly/4lWaTRO
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
"Study Support sessions with e-Sgoil were great - it was a very flexible way of learning"
Exam season has started for young people in Scotland, and Robert, 16, shares how he prepared for his exams last year by using e-Sgoil's Study Support programme.
bit.ly
April 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Young Advisor Robert blogs on e-Sgoil's Study Support. Our report makes recommendations to improve the education system, including urging Scottish Government to invest more in virtual school models. Robert reveals how he benefited from Study Support.
Blog: bit.ly/4lWaTRO
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Blog: bit.ly/4lWaTRO
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Young footballers deserve protection from exploitation
But the organisation with the power to investigate and take action against clubs is reduced to writing a letter
This is nowhere near good enough
But the organisation with the power to investigate and take action against clubs is reduced to writing a letter
This is nowhere near good enough
Watchdog to write to clubs about youth football deals
The UK's competition watchdog will write to Scotland's professional clubs to remind them of their legal obligations when registering child footballers.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 24, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Young footballers deserve protection from exploitation
But the organisation with the power to investigate and take action against clubs is reduced to writing a letter
This is nowhere near good enough
But the organisation with the power to investigate and take action against clubs is reduced to writing a letter
This is nowhere near good enough
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Teens experiencing homelessness whose school attendance is disrupted will still qualify for EMA from 2025-26 — a vital step after our report exposed the link between homelessness and education.
But with 10,360 kids in temp housing, there’s more to do. #HousingEmergency
🔗 shelterscotland.org/EMA25
But with 10,360 kids in temp housing, there’s more to do. #HousingEmergency
🔗 shelterscotland.org/EMA25
April 10, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Teens experiencing homelessness whose school attendance is disrupted will still qualify for EMA from 2025-26 — a vital step after our report exposed the link between homelessness and education.
But with 10,360 kids in temp housing, there’s more to do. #HousingEmergency
🔗 shelterscotland.org/EMA25
But with 10,360 kids in temp housing, there’s more to do. #HousingEmergency
🔗 shelterscotland.org/EMA25
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
📃 Our new report shows what must change in education to make rights real for every child. Our recommendations include support for the workforce, like this innovative work in @highland.gov.uk & @moraycouncil.bsky.social. Well supported adults means better supported children.
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Commissioner highlights support programme for headteachers with positive impact on children’s rights
Headteachers in the Highlands and Moray are making the most of an innovative support programme – and children are reaping the benefits too. School…
vimeo.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
📃 Our new report shows what must change in education to make rights real for every child. Our recommendations include support for the workforce, like this innovative work in @highland.gov.uk & @moraycouncil.bsky.social. Well supported adults means better supported children.
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
📢 Commissioner: “Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children.” ALL children have the right to an education that develops their personality, talents and abilities.
📘 Read our new report calling for substantial, urgent reform: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
📘 Read our new report calling for substantial, urgent reform: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
March 31, 2025 at 9:11 AM
📢 Commissioner: “Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children.” ALL children have the right to an education that develops their personality, talents and abilities.
📘 Read our new report calling for substantial, urgent reform: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
📘 Read our new report calling for substantial, urgent reform: bit.ly/3RsP6mt
Deeply concerning and sadly reflects what we've found in our own work in this area. For instance see our children's rights report on hotel-type accommodation from 2023 which draws on work by Prof Helen Ball from @durhamanthropology.bsky.social
March 28, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Deeply concerning and sadly reflects what we've found in our own work in this area. For instance see our children's rights report on hotel-type accommodation from 2023 which draws on work by Prof Helen Ball from @durhamanthropology.bsky.social
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
🌟 Thank you to the thousands of children who joined our assembly today! 🎉 We loved celebrating #InternationalDayOfHappiness with you, exploring the right to good mental health in the #UNCRC and sharing what makes us smile. Keep laughing! 🤣
Spreading joy – thousands of children join Commissioner’s happiness assembly
Children had a laugh together celebrating UN International Day of Happiness at a special online assembly. Children’s Commissioner Nicola Killean hosted the BSL-interpreted assembly for primary-aged ...
bit.ly
March 20, 2025 at 3:21 PM
🌟 Thank you to the thousands of children who joined our assembly today! 🎉 We loved celebrating #InternationalDayOfHappiness with you, exploring the right to good mental health in the #UNCRC and sharing what makes us smile. Keep laughing! 🤣
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
🚍 Our Young Advisors have been in schools with us, hearing directly from children about their experiences of education.
What they found? Young people want & have ideas for change — & they must be involved in education decision-making.
🎬 Watch the full film: bit.ly/4laRDzF
What they found? Young people want & have ideas for change — & they must be involved in education decision-making.
🎬 Watch the full film: bit.ly/4laRDzF
March 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM
🚍 Our Young Advisors have been in schools with us, hearing directly from children about their experiences of education.
What they found? Young people want & have ideas for change — & they must be involved in education decision-making.
🎬 Watch the full film: bit.ly/4laRDzF
What they found? Young people want & have ideas for change — & they must be involved in education decision-making.
🎬 Watch the full film: bit.ly/4laRDzF
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Here are the #10KeyMessages of the @coe.int European Committee of #SocialRights review on the #costofliving #crisis. They address:
#minimumwage #energy #food #socialprotection #housing #PWD #olderpersons #children #participation #poverty #socialexclusion
rm.coe.int/prems-022125...
#minimumwage #energy #food #socialprotection #housing #PWD #olderpersons #children #participation #poverty #socialexclusion
rm.coe.int/prems-022125...
March 21, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Here are the #10KeyMessages of the @coe.int European Committee of #SocialRights review on the #costofliving #crisis. They address:
#minimumwage #energy #food #socialprotection #housing #PWD #olderpersons #children #participation #poverty #socialexclusion
rm.coe.int/prems-022125...
#minimumwage #energy #food #socialprotection #housing #PWD #olderpersons #children #participation #poverty #socialexclusion
rm.coe.int/prems-022125...
Reposted by Nick Hobbs
Children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse or harm, in all aspects of their lives.
Statement: Commissioner supports Daniel Johnson's Bill on restraint and seclusion in education settings and urges the Scottish Government to go further.
bit.ly/3FDgH1R
Statement: Commissioner supports Daniel Johnson's Bill on restraint and seclusion in education settings and urges the Scottish Government to go further.
bit.ly/3FDgH1R
March 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse or harm, in all aspects of their lives.
Statement: Commissioner supports Daniel Johnson's Bill on restraint and seclusion in education settings and urges the Scottish Government to go further.
bit.ly/3FDgH1R
Statement: Commissioner supports Daniel Johnson's Bill on restraint and seclusion in education settings and urges the Scottish Government to go further.
bit.ly/3FDgH1R
Fantastic to see Daniel Johnson MSP’s Restraint & Seclusion Bill introduced to the parliament. The result of years of campaigning by so many people. Huge credit to all who fought so hard for it.
It’s important now that parliamentarians and govt support its principles and make sure it progresses.
It’s important now that parliamentarians and govt support its principles and make sure it progresses.
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Scotland Bill
A Bill for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about the restriction of the physical movement of, or isolation of, children and young people by education providers in schools.
www.parliament.scot
March 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Fantastic to see Daniel Johnson MSP’s Restraint & Seclusion Bill introduced to the parliament. The result of years of campaigning by so many people. Huge credit to all who fought so hard for it.
It’s important now that parliamentarians and govt support its principles and make sure it progresses.
It’s important now that parliamentarians and govt support its principles and make sure it progresses.