Overview
Casual Independent Fostering Panel Chair role at Lancashire County Council. The position is casual and paid per panel.
Responsibilities
* Chair fostering panels; may also chair an adoption panel for Adoption Lancashire & Blackpool on occasion.
* Independently of Lancashire's Children’s Services (must be registered social worker or have left over 12 months ago).
* Attend approximately one panel per month initially, with potential increases; current panels are five per month, with fees paid per panel (£500 full day, £250 half day).
* Ensure pre-reading and signing off minutes are included in the panel fee; assist with travel for training and development sessions as required.
* Work across hybrid delivery platforms (Microsoft Teams and one face-to-face panel); some computer skills and availability for virtual and face-to-face chairing.
Qualifications
* Qualified social worker registered with SWE (or eligible to register with the Social Care Council) and independent of Lancashire’s children’s services (or left over 12 months ago).
* Experience chairing complex meetings; ability to chair panels and manage multi-stakeholder discussions.
* Available for occasional travel and able to work across delivery platforms (virtual and in-person).
Conditions & Benefits
* Casual position with fees paid per panel (full day £500, half day £250).
* Hybrid panel arrangements (most virtual via Microsoft Teams; occasional face-to-face).
* Salary presented as per panel; additional benefits available on the LCC Vacancies site.
* International sponsorship: not open to international sponsorship.
Important Information
* Closing Date: 28 September 2025.
* Evidence of meeting criteria: upload a supporting statement; failure to provide evidence may affect shortlist.
* Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 applies. If selected, DBS disclosure applies.
* Must be registered (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker or have applied to register with the Social Care Council. For non-social worker qualifications, you may be appointed as Care Manager.
* The council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Location
Chorley, Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire area; role involves some travel for training.
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