Panel Member for School Appeals (Volunteer) at Hamwic Education Trust

• they are interested in education
• they enjoy meeting and working with people with similar interests
• they want to be of service to parents/carers and schools
• they have relevant experience and skills that they wish to use
• they may have been through the appeal process as parents themselves
• they have a background in education or law from other roles such as a teacher or headteacher or as a school governor or magistrate
• have time available on weekdays during term time
  

• reading appeal packs prior to hearings in order to understand the case being put forward by the admission authority and the parent, guardian or carer
• considering the written evidence in advance of the meeting and drafting questions you may wish to ask at the hearing
• attending appeal hearings until all appeals have been heard and taking part in pre-meeting briefings and post-meeting deliberations. Listening to both cases made during the appeals hearing and making a judgement on the evidence heard and previously received
• taking an active part in appeal hearings with panel member colleagues, including making notes, asking questions, and contributing the outcomes of appeals

• would be able to put nervous parents at ease and make balanced decisions to ensure that parents and schools receive a fair appeal hearing
• can ask clear and relevant questions in a calm, non-confrontational manner to elicit the relevant information and facts
• will fully participate in the decision-making process by considering all the relevant information, to form reasoned decisions based on the relevant law and facts
• can understand and apply the rules of natural justice (fairness)
• will be sensitive and respectful of the need for confidentiality
• can recognise and disclose any potential conflict of interest
• has excellent attention to detail
• has good interpersonal skills
• can travel to appeal venues

• training relevant to this volunteer position
• hard working and supportive HET colleagues

Application procedure

Should you wish volunteer please complete our School Panel Member application form which can be found at www.hamwic.org/vacancies/managed-services, and return to [email protected]. CVs will only be accepted with a completed application form.

Hamwic Education Trust:

Hamwic Education Trust (HET) is the Trust for schools that form part of Jefferys Education Partnership, Edwin Jones Partnership, Ridings Partnership, Greenway Partnership, Mayflower Partnership and Hillary Partnership. 

HET is fully committed to developing an outstanding workforce. We are a friendly and supportive community of professionals working hard to ensure that our schools are enabling children to grow and develop for the future.

We have talented staff working in leadership, teaching and support roles throughout our schools and committed professionals working in the Managed Services team covering education, safeguarding, HR, IT, finance and estates. This experienced team supports our schools and is responsible for the successful delivery of our multi-academy trust.

As an employer, we support our staff to grow through continuing professional development and there is a range of apprenticeships and other opportunities available throughout the Trust to extend your knowledge, skills and career prospects.

HET celebrates the uniqueness of our pupils, our staff and our schools and we aim for everyone to achieve their full potential through the pathways of opportunities available. 

Safeguarding

All schools within HET are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.