? Job Advert: Fostering Panel Member Location: VirtualContract: IndependentOrganisation: By the BridgeClosing Date: Open Make a Meaningful Impact – Become a Fostering Panel Member Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and young people?Do you have the professional insight, personal experience, or lived understanding to contribute to high-quality, child-centred fostering decisions? By the Bridge is seeking committed, thoughtful, and motivated Fostering Panel Members to join our independent fostering panel. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding children and ensuring our foster parents can provide stable, therapeutic and nurturing homes. About the Role As a Fostering Panel Member, you will provide independent oversight, scrutiny, and recommendations on: The suitability and approval of prospective foster parentsTerms of approval and matching considerationsAnnual reviews of existing foster parentsAllegations, complaints, and practice concernsAny matters referred to panel requiring independent advice or discussion You will help ensure that every decision is grounded in safeguarding, therapeutic thinking, and the best outcomes for children. What You’ll Do Read and evaluate detailed assessments, annual reviews, and reportsAttend monthly panel meetings and contribute to informed, evidence-based decision-makingOffer balanced challenge and constructive feedback to support high-quality practicePromote diversity, equality, and anti-discriminatory decision-makingUphold confidentiality, professional integrity, and safeguarding principlesParticipate in training, annual appraisals, and panel development activitiesWork within By the Bridge’s therapeutic fostering model and organisational values What We’re Looking For Essential Understanding of safeguarding and the needs of children in careExperience in fostering, adoption, SEN, social care, education, health, youth justice, or a related field – professionally or personallyAbility to analyse complex and sometimes sensitive informationStrong communication, listening, and interpersonal skillsCommitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practiceProfessional integrity, reliability, and the ability to work well in a groupWillingness to engage in training, reflection, and ongoing learning Desirable Experience as a foster carer, adoptive parent, or lived experience of the care systemPrevious service on a fostering or adoption panelKnowledge of fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, and relevant regulations Why Join Us? Make a direct, meaningful difference to children’s livesBe part of a therapeutic, values-led fostering organisationWork alongside skilled, supportive and passionate panel colleaguesOngoing training and development provided Ready to Apply? If you share our commitment to providing positive, stable, and transformative care for children, we would love to hear from you.