External Advisor

Dr Tracy Kirk is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Stirling and a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy of Scotland. Her expertise spans children’s rights, human rights law, youth participation and inclusive leadership.

Her research focuses on how children’s rights are understood and realised in practice, particularly the rights of older children and young people. She is committed to rights-based approaches that recognise young people as experts in their own lives and active contributors to research, policy and decision-making.

Tracy brings experience of academic leadership, governance and supporting others to develop their confidence and capacity to lead. As an External Advisor to the Scottish Youth Parliament, she supports its young trustees in navigating their governance responsibilities, exercising independent judgement and fulfilling their commitments as Board members.

She is passionate about ensuring that young people are not only represented in decision-making but have the knowledge, confidence and authority to shape it.