The Fostering Service at Sandwell Children's Trust are looking to recruit two Vice-Chairs of the Fostering Panel. The Vice Chairs will have the opportunity to Chair 3-5 Panels a year and would need to be available to step in for the Chair during any holiday and or other absence. Sandwell Childrens Trust covers both Mainstream and Connected foster carer Applications and Reviews and is consequently a busy Panel. Fostering Panels normally run fortnightly on Fridays, but can run weekly, subject to need. They normally last 7 hours, but can be longer or shorter, dependent upon the Panel business. Remuneration - £450.00 per panel chaired Main Responsibility As a Foster Panel Vice Chair you'll be: Chairing Panel meetings as scheduled and be available to step into the Chair Role as and when required. To Chair Panel meetings, ensuring that all items of business are covered and that the panel operates in accordance with Regulations and the policies and procedures of the agency. To prepare for Panel meetings, reading Panel papers carefully, identifying key issues and liaising with the Agency Panel Adviser if necessary, if there are any concerns regarding paperwork being not being adequate for Panel. To receive and collate Panel Members preparation documents, and prepare and distribute the Chairs Briefing to Panel Members and Panel Administration in advance of meetings. To facilitate the active participation of all Panel members in contributing to the Panel’s consideration of cases, and to the making of clear and well-evidenced recommendations with the reasons for these. To ensure that all those attending Panel are treated with respect and courtesy. To address diversity issues and to promote anti-discriminatory practice at all times. To ensure that clear and accurate minutes are written, which record any serious reservations which Panel members may have, and to be involved in checking and agreeing draft minutes before they are sent to the agency decision maker. To liaise with the decision-maker and with other senior managers as required. To ensure, with the Agency Panel Adviser, that senior managers are aware of issues of concern, in relation both to individual items and to more general matters. To constructively participate in the yearly central list membership appraisal. To assist in developing, promoting and monitoring policies and procedures and high standards of work in the fostering service. To participate in the training for central list members at least once a year. To safeguard the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions. To be involved in: Deciding whether a case is adequate for submission to Panel Deciding on the attendance of Observers at Panel Deciding on the participation of a Panel member who declares an interest in a case The Ideal Candidate You'll need to have: At least 2-3 years’ experience of sitting as a Panel member. Experience either professionally or personally or both, of the placement of children in foster families and of children being cared for away from their birth family. Excellent organisational skills and have the ability to manage complex and at times challenging cases, whilst remaining approachable and balanced Have an in-depth level of knowledge of the fostering regulations and standards. An understanding of the needs of a wide variety of foster carers who can offer a rich selection of home environments for our children requiring foster placements. Want to know more? For an informal discussion please contact Theresa Kane, Registered Manager Email: Theresa1_Kanesandwellchildrenstrust.org To apply please complete the attached application form and email to recruitment_childrenstrustsandwell.gov.uk