Fostering Panel Vice Chair

We are seeking a Vice Panel Chair to support the work of the Fostering and Supported Lodgings Panel. This is a pivotal role in ensuring safe, robust and child-centred decision-making in the approval, review and ongoing support of foster carers, supported lodgings hosts and connected persons.

You will deputise for the Panel Chair when required and help ensure that panel meetings are well structured, inclusive and fully compliant with fostering legislation, national minimum standards and Dorset Council procedures.

Panel meetings take place two to three times per month, usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from approximately 09:20 to 16:30. Meetings are held at County Hall, Dorchester, with occasional virtual attendance where appropriate. Panel members are expected to attend at least 75% of the panels they are invited to each year.

Key responsibilities

• Deputise for the Panel Chair and undertake all Chair duties when required.
• Chair panel meetings when needed, ensuring discussions are fair, thorough and compliant with fostering regulations and council policy.
• Contribute fully to panel discussions and support well-reasoned, evidence-based recommendations.
• Ensure all decisions remain child-focused and reflect each child’s individual needs, identity and lived experience.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive and anti-discriminatory panel culture.
• Prepare thoroughly by reading all panel documentation and maintaining oversight of presented cases.
• Provide clear recommendations on the suitability of applicants and carers.
• Support meeting preparation and identify any emerging risks or themes.
• Assist with the induction and support of new panel members when required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all panel information.
• Participate in annual appraisal and complete required training.
• Attend at least one fostering service training event each year.
• Complete the Quality Assurance and Feedback Form for the agency for each case heard.

Safeguarding requirements

All panel members must complete an enhanced DBS check, mandatory training prior to or on joining the panel, observe at least two panels before sitting as a member, and complete an induction with the Panel Adviser, Panel Coordinator and Panel Chair.

Rate of Pay:

• Half day (09:20–13:30): £150.00

• Full day (09:20–16:30): £300.00

For further information: Contact Natasha Emberley, Panel Advisor – [email protected]

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At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
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You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.