About the Role:
Wakefield Council is seeking a highly skilled and impartial professional to serve as the Independent Chair of our Fair Access Panels, which play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to education for all children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion.
The Chair will lead multi-agency panel meetings, facilitate fair and transparent decision-making, and ensure that the panel operates in line with statutory guidance and local protocols. This role is central to promoting inclusive practices and safeguarding the educational rights of children and young people across the Wakefield district. There is a separate Primary and Secondary panel – applications will be considered from individuals wishing to chair either or both panels.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Chair regular (monthly / virtual via teams) Fair Access Panel meetings with professionalism and neutrality
2. Ensure decisions are made in accordance with statutory guidance and local Fair Access protocols
3. Promote transparency, equity, and consistency in the placement of pupils without a school place
4. Facilitate constructive dialogue between schools, local authority officers, and other stakeholders
5. Provide strategic oversight and challenge where necessary to uphold the integrity of the process
6. Produce summary reports and contribute to continuous improvement of the Fair Access process
Person Specification:
7. Proven experience in education, social care, or a related field
8. Strong understanding of inclusion, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities around school admissions and exclusions
9. Excellent facilitation, communication, and negotiation skills
10. Ability to remain impartial and manage complex discussions with professionalism
11. Experience of chairing multi-agency meetings is highly desirable
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people by supporting fair and inclusive access to education. You’ll be working with committed professionals across the education and care sectors, helping shape a system that puts children first.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a short expression of interest outlining your suitability for the role to For an informal discussion, contact Louise Lupton, Head of Service - Access to Education via the email address provided.
Closing Date: 30th November
Interview Date: w/c 1 December (TBC)
Please note - there are ten FAP panel meetings per phase each academic year, held monthly during term-time on Tuesdays. Meeting dates are set annually each summer term for the following academic year.