We now have an exciting opportunity for you to join as a Foster Panel Member, on the Swindon Foster Panel.
Foster panel frequency:
The Foster Panel runs on a fortnightly basis. Operating on a Tuesday the first week then a fortnight later on a Wednesday.
What does the Swindon Foster Panel do?
* We consider applications for approval and recommend whether or not a person is suitable to be approved as a foster carer.
* We monitor and advise on the procedures for undertaking reviews of foster carers.
* We hold annual reviews and other vital processes to make sure our children are being cared for by the very best, committed carers.
* We make recommendations on any other matters relating to fostering regulations.
Who makes up the panel?
* The Chair - who will be responsible for leading and directing the panel.
* The Vice-chair- who chairs panel in the absence of The chair.
* A Panel Advisor.
* A Social Worker with at least 3 years post qualified experience.
* Independent Panel Members- People who want to make a difference to the lives of Swindon's children and young people who are in the foster system.
What do we offer?
* Annual training.
* Annual appraisal of Foster Panel Members.
* Quarterly Panel Business Meetings.
* £450 per day, inclusive of reading time.
Swindon Borough Council is committed to delivering outstanding services which include children and young people's services. The council works closely with central and local government to drive new and innovative approaches to improving the outcomes of Children, Young People and Families.
This role is on a contract/freelance basis with a fee of £450 for a full day's Panel and £225 per half day. This includes reading Panel papers in preparation of the Panel, attending a short pre Panel meeting to discuss the agenda and approving the minutes post Panel.
Swindon's Foster Panel has oversight of new fostering approvals (mainstream and kinship), Fostering Reviews and Permanency matching for children in long term foster care. The Panel Chair's role also involves carrying out annual appraisals for Panel members and the preparation of an annual report of the Panel's work. The Chair will also be required to attend 4 Panel Business Meetings per year and a Panel training day.
We are seeking to recruit someone with the relevant skills and with experience of foster panel who can reflect the diversity of Swindon's communities and share our commitment for excellence. Applicants must have experience of both the approval and re-approval process of foster carers as well as experience on a Panel.
We are looking for someone who will always be thinking of the child, ensuring they are at the forefront of all decisions. Must be able to work as a team member to achieve best outcomes for the children. Experience of working in the fostering sector and/or children/young people would be an advantage but not an essential requirement. No formal social work qualifications are necessary, but an understanding of and empathy for the work required. Good practical judgement combined with the ability to read and analyse complex written reports is needed.
To complement our existing skills set, and to ensure we have well rounded panels for the benefit of those in our care, we are particularly interested to hear from candidates with direct care experience, education and health professionals, people with experience of being a foster carers (although not for Swindon Borough Council due to potential for conflict of interest) and people with social work experience.
The Panel currently meets twice a month face to face in central Swindon on a Tuesday/ Wednesday.
This role will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check employment references
If you are interested in this position and have the necessary skills and experience please do not hesitate to apply by submitting your CV with a covering letter to Louise Drury, Foster Panel Administrator