Access Panels play an essential role in breaking down barriers across Scotland. But to keep that work going, Panels need people. Over the past year, the Access Panel Network Team has spoken directly with Panels across the country about the pressures they face. One message came through clearly: finding new members is becoming harder, and without new voices stepping into key roles, some Panels may struggle to continue operating.
At the same time, demand for Access Panels is growing. Communities are asking for support to restart dormant Panels or establish new ones, showing that local access and inclusion work remains vital.
In response to this, Disability Equality Scotland’s Access Panel Network Engagement team has developed Recruitment Guidance. This is a practical, adaptable pack to help established and emerging panels find, welcome and retain new members.
What is inside the pack
Rather than acting as a rigid rulebook, the pack works as a flexible toolkit that Panels can adapt to their local needs:
- Part 1: Preparation and purpose: Decide what skills and commitments your Panel needs, and highlight what new members could gain, such as community impact, confidence and skill development.
- Part 2: Practical outreach and methods: Guidance on where, when and how to advertise, covering everything from accessible social media posts to physical flyers. This section also includes a real-world case study from an Access Panel that successfully rebuilt its membership.
- Part 3: From first contact to retention: Best practice for welcoming new members, responding respectfully when an applicant is not the right fit, and building an accessible, supportive culture that helps members stay involved.
- Tools and templates: Example templates for social media graphics, outreach copy, and links to accessible design resources.
Whether your Panel is recruiting for the first time, rebuilding its membership, or planning for the future, this guidance helps you take the next step with confidence. You can find out more about Access Panel recruitment here.
Click the links below to download the recruitment pack and start planning how your Access Panel can reach, welcome and support new members.
Standard text version (Word doc): Access Panel Recruitment Pack
EasyRead version (Word doc): AP Recruitment Pack Part 1, AP Recruitment Pack Part 2
If you have any questions, about recruitment please contact access@disabilityequality.scot.
