Job title: Independent Fostering Panel Member
Salary: £190 per panel
Hours: Various
Contract: Casual
Location: Virtual/Kernel House
A rare opportunity has arisen to join Leeds City Council Fostering Panel as an Independent Fostering Panel Member. The post holder would become part of an experienced, professional, and friendly panel central list who are child-focused and passionate about their role in the safe placement of children and young people, who are looked after by Leeds City Council. The Panel is also very ably supported by experienced and efficient Panel Advisor.
The panel meets monthly and the postholder will be expected to participate in regular panel training.
The post is subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and two references will be taken up prior to the interview.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an Independent Fostering Panel Member, you will bring to the role:
- The ability to process and analyse large amounts of often complex and sensitive information.
- The ability to form an assessment based on the written and verbal information provided and the confidence to articulate this.
- A commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of children and young people welfare.
- A valuing of diversity including ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability and sexuality.
- An understanding of and commitment to ensuring confidentiality.
- A willingness to increase knowledge and understanding through training and development opportunities.
About the role
As one of our next Independent Fostering Panel Members, you will play a crucial role in the provision and monitoring of foster care for children and young people in line with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the Children Act Guidance Volume 4: Fostering Services 2011.
Leeds Children Social Work Service is strongly committed to its fostering service. We have a successful track record of recruiting and supporting foster carers and have a dedicated kinship care service. The agency is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Currently the service runs 4 fostering panels per month, with additional panels being required on an ad hoc basis, due to the high level of demand. Fostering panel cannot proceed without independence. Fostering panel plays a key part in ensuring that we deliver a safe and effective service to children and families in Leeds.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
How to apply
Complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Suzanne Dockerty (Collyer) Fostering Panel Team Manager Call [0113 37 86258] or email suzanne.dockerty@leeds.gov.uk.
Interview date TBC
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose Fostering panels have a crucial part to play in the provision and monitoring of foster care for children and young people. Panel members play a key role in the functioning of Fostering Panel, with the primary role being to assess prospective foster carers/kinship carers, to review the continued suitability of approved foster carers/kinship carers and to review terms of approval.
Responsibilities
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate, with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
- To prepare for panel meetings; reading all relevant paperwork carefully ahead of panel taking place, being prepared to raise issues and contribute towards panel discussions.
- To address diversity issues and to promote anti-discriminatory practice at all times.
- Take responsibility for making a recommendation on each case, drawing on personal and professional knowledge and experience.
- To be involved in checking draft minutes before they are sent to the decision maker and to the next panel meeting.
- Safeguard the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions.
- Participate in an induction and on-going training.
Qualifications
Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
- Experience/knowledge with regards to the placement/s of children in fostering households and in Kinship Care arrangements.
- An understanding and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- An appreciation of the effects of loss and separation on young people.
- Awareness and understanding of different kinds of families and their ability to meet young people needs.
- Some understanding of the purpose and function of the fostering panel or a willingness to learn.
- Ability to read, process and analyse large amounts of complex and sometimes sensitive information.
- Good listening and communication skills.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
- We would welcome applications from individuals with a variety of different backgrounds including those with care experience.
- We would welcome individuals who have experience working within one of the following areas: the police, health, education, housing and/or youth services.
- We would welcome applicants who have an understanding of children and young people mental health, through either work or training.
