Sessional Independent Panel Chair (Fostering)

Children's Social Care, Independent Panel Chair (Fostering)

£650 per Panel

About the Borough

In Lambeth we put children and their families at the heart of our practice, and practice at the heart of all that we do. Our new Borough Plan has social justice at the centre and a clear vision for improving outcomes for our children and families. You will be joining an ambitious, passionate, and committed leadership team. We are working at pace to create the conditions for effective social work to flourish and for all our children to receive a good service. We are clear on the challenges we face and have the courage and vision to deliver improvements. Following our inspection in 2022 Ofsted recognised the momentum and investment in Children's Services. As a responsible Corporate Parent, Lambeth is committed to listening to the voice of each child and young person and planning to meet them to a high standard. The Fostering Service will work in effective partnership with, foster carers, colleagues within the Council, and other agencies with the objective of delivering the best possible care and support to the Children and Young People we care for.

About You

You will be a qualified and Social Work England registered social worker and a competent and accomplished chairperson with experience at a senior level in a local authority or voluntary childcare setting.

You will have a proven ability to ensure Panels function within a clear anti-discriminatory framework the postholder will be able to demonstrate expertise in childcare planning and child development; a detailed and up to date knowledge of the legislative framework for Fostering and a comprehensive understanding of the national standards, relevant performance indicators and current good practice initiatives.

About the Role

1. 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.
2. In accordance with Regulations, the requirement is that the Chair attends at least 80% of Panels and will also attend Panel training events and relevant meetings to include twice yearly Fostering/kinship Team Managers Meeting, twice yearly Agency Decision Maker Meeting.
3. Read all the relevant paperwork prior to the Panel meeting and inform the Panel Advisor as necessary if the reports are adequate for submission to panel.
4. Ensure that all members and those attending Panel can contribute appropriately to Panel processes.
5. Ensure that Panel business is conducted in a timely, respectful, sensitive, and non-discriminatory manner.
6. Provide quality assurance feedback to the Fostering Service provider on the quality of reports being presented to panel.
7. Ensure that the written minutes of the Panel meetings are accurate and clearly cover the key issues and views expressed by Panel members and that the minutes record the reasons for its recommendation.
8. Advise the relevant social workers of the recommendations of the Panel.
9. Ensure Panel minutes are agreed, signed, and shared with Agency Decision Maker (within a week after the panel).
10. Ensure that the number, skills, knowledge, and experience of persons on the central list are sufficient to enable the fostering service to constitute Panels that are equipped to make competent recommendations to the Fostering Service provider, considering the nature of the children and carers that the service caters for.
11. Take part in an annual appraisal and also undertake the annual appraisal of Panel Members with the Fostering Panel Adviser.
12. Meet on at least a six-monthly basis with the Vice Chairs and Fostering Adviser to ensure that Panel function is appropriately reviewed and training issues for members identified.
13. Hold an overview of Lambeth Fostering Service provision, providing feedback on the quality of reports submitted and areas for development, which will be discussed either at appraisal meetings or at meetings with the Fostering Adviser and Fostering Service Manager.
14. Contribute to the production of the annual Fostering Agency reports that are presented to the Corporate Parenting Panel.
15. Attend meetings with relevant managers as required to discuss issues relating to policy, strategy, and performance.
16. Ensure managers are aware of any issues of concern and liaise with the Agency Decision Maker.

Panels take place on x2 Thursdays per month. Each Panel generally operates from 9.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. The rate for this post includes preparation reading for Panel, approval of minutes and travel costs. The Chair will be expected to be available for at least 80% of Panel meetings.

If you would like more information about the role before applying, please call Ola Aregbesola, Tel. , email: .

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at

In addition, you will also be required to undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. Further information can be found here Cifas

Application Process

Please note we operate an anonymised application process. When uploading your Supporting Statement and CV, please remove your personal details.

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and a Supporting Statement using the cover letter link, clearly evidencing how you meet the criteria marked with an 'A' on the job specification.

You must upload your CV and Supporting Statement for your application to be considered.

Job Description and Personal Specification

Closing Date: Monday 21st October 2024 at midnight

Lambeth aims for quality services and equal opportunities for all and is committed to safer recruitment.