Wakefield are seeking new fostering panel members.
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of care-experienced children?
Here in Wakefield, we are looking for committed and compassionate individuals to join our Fostering Panel and play a vital role in ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people in care.
We are seeking new independent members to join our Fostering Panel as independent panel members, independent social workers and vice chair of panel.
We welcome individuals who can offer fresh perspectives. At this time we are particularly interested in people with experience of connected care, care experienced, social or health backgrounds, however welcome applications from a range of experiences of children in care.
Your role will involve reading reports, thoughtful evaluation, constructive discussion, and clear recommendation rationale as part of a panel.
Fostering Panels in Wakefield
Panels are held twice a month, usually on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
Members are asked to attend one session each month, you will be part on a regular group A or B panel but might be asked to do additional panels to cover.
Panel packs are sent a week in advance. You should allow at least half a day to a day to read the packs and prepare for the panel.
Panel meetings typically last a full day, starting at 9.15am and ending no later than 5 p.m
Where and How?
Panels are currently held virtually via Microsoft Teams, although there are plans to make some face to face in the district in. If attending virtually, you must be able to attend panel from a confidential space and use a password-protected device.
We ask that members commit to attending at least 75% of panel meetings. If this isn’t possible, please talk to us—we welcome flexibility and don't want this to deter you from applying.
Panel Member Fees :
1. £ – Independent Social Worker.
2. £ – Independent foster carer or other independent professionals.
3. An enhance rate is paid for vice chairs when they act as panel Chair.
Travel expenses can be claimed separately.
What we’re looking for:
4. Experience or understanding of fostering, adoption, social care, health, education, or related fields.
5. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
6. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
7. Trauma informed.
8. Good communication and analytical skills
9. The ability to work as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
10. Availability to attend monthly or bi-monthly panel meetings
11. Independent of Wakefield Council’s Children and Fostering services
What We Offer:
12. Training and support
13. Competitive remuneration for your time and expertise
14. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
Becoming a Panel Member
To join the panel, you will:
15. Complete a short expression of interest form.
16. Attend an interview with the Panel Advisor and Panel Chair.
17. Undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide references
18. Complete training.
19. Complete an appointment and GDPR document
The closing date for this post is 1st December with interviews in person scheduled for 17th December.
Please return the expression form to Fostering Panel