Independent Fostering Panel Chair - £450 per panel, including reading time

Permanent (this role requires the Chair to be self employed for the purpose of remuneration for chairing the fostering panel)

Do you aspire to work with an ‘Outstanding’ Local Authority? Here at Telford and Wrekin Council, we have been judged to be outstanding overall in terms of effectiveness (the only Authority in the West Midlands with this judgement).

Here’s just some of the great things Ofsted had to say when they visited us recently: • Children are cared for and cared about • Social Workers and other staff who support children are very committed and they are exceptionally well trained • Children are listened to and their experiences are well understood • Senior Leaders aspire to a service for every child that they would welcome for their own • Children benefit from a stable workforce which is highly committed and experienced • Staff experience a wide range of development opportunities
We have an opportunity for a permanent fostering panel chair who has experience of chairing meetings, experience in working with children and families and who is passionate about driving forward a high quality service within Telford & Wrekin.

The successful applicant must have good communication skills and demonstrate a good understanding of the Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards. Telford & Wrekin is a member of CoramBAAF and also The Fostering Network and therefore advice and support is available from them to the service and the chair.

Main accountabilities of the role: The successful candidate will chair fostering panel meetings, ensuring that the meeting keeps to timescales. This will include reading through presenting paperwork thoroughly beforehand and identifying any key issues and working closely with the panel advisor to ensure that the case is suitable for submission to panel. The chair is a key person who is responsible for welcoming applicants and foster carers to panel, ensuring the smooth running of panel, liaising with the fostering service to constantly focus on improving the service and also ensuring that the minutes accurately reflect the key discussions within the panel.

Currently the fostering panels are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month with occasional additional panels, depending on business need. As part of this recruitment process, there will also be at least one vice chair appointed to cover for when the Chair is not available. At present, our panels are mostly held virtually, using Microsoft Teams and there will be a blended approach with some panels held face to face.


There are also training opportunities, some of which are specifically for panel members, which have previously been carried out jointly with a neighbouring authority and we will also be aiming to carry out some joint training with the fostering service staff and other social work staff.

Telford and Wrekin Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children and young people entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children and young people.

Due to the legal requirements of the Fostering Regulations, this role requires the person to be independent and therefore employees and Councillors of Telford & Wrekin Council are not eligible to apply for this post.
see job description
see job description
We are committed to equality and diversity. Posts working with children or vulnerable groups will be subject to an appropriate criminal records check.

Please send an up to date CV along with a supporting statement of up to 500 words of why you think you would be a suitable candidate for the fostering panel chair to: FosteringSupportTeam@telford.gov.uk

Please contact Kelly Burgess on 01952 385889 or 07772870896 if you have any queries.

Closing date for applications is 30 August 2022. Interviews will be held on the mornings of Monday 5 September and Wednesday 7 September 2022

Supporting documents
Job description and person specification for panel Chair.docx