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- Tasks: Lead discussions and chair fostering panel meetings to support children in care.
- Company: Join Southwark's dedicated Fostering Service making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours with a sessional role, plus opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape child-focused practices and contribute to meaningful decisions impacting young lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering or children's services and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and offers guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you have the leadership skills to support life-changing decisions for children in care? Can you use your experience in fostering or children’s services to guide complex discussions? Does the opportunity to shape high-quality, child-focused practice appeal to you? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Fostering Service is looking for a dedicated and experienced Panel Vice-Chair to join our team and help make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
As Southwark’s Fostering Panel Vice-Chair, you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Fostering Panel. You will deputise for the Panel Chair when required, chairing meetings and ensuring all panel business is conducted in line with fostering regulations, statutory guidance, and national minimum standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Chairing fostering panel meetings in the absence of the Panel Chair.
- Scrutinising assessments and facilitating high-quality panel discussions.
- Supporting decision-making on fostering approvals, reviews, and de-registrations.
- Contributing to the recruitment, training, and performance review of panel members.
- Promoting anti-discriminatory practice and identifying areas for service improvement.
- Liaising closely with the Agency Adviser, Panel Administrator, and Agency Decision Maker.
- Ensuring recommendations are clear, evidence-based, and meet statutory requirements.
This is a sessional role, with panels typically held twice a month. It’s ideal for someone looking to take on a meaningful leadership position with flexible hours.
About You:
We’re looking for someone who brings a strong blend of professional experience and values-led leadership. To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have:
- Substantial experience in fostering, adoption, or wider children’s services.
- An excellent understanding of fostering legislation, regulations, and National Minimum Standards.
- Proven ability to lead and facilitate complex discussions and make well-reasoned recommendations.
- Experience chairing panels or multi-agency meetings, or strong potential to do so.
- Commitment to anti-discriminatory, child-centred practice.
- Confidence in decision-making and ability to challenge where necessary.
- Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills.
- Willingness to stay up to date with legislation, best practice, and panel developments.
About the Team:
Our Fostering Panel plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and success of fostering arrangements across Southwark. The panel brings together experienced professionals and independent voices to review assessments and make well-informed, child-centred recommendations.
You’ll be supported by a committed team including the Panel Chair, Panel Advisor, and administrative staff, and you’ll have opportunities to contribute to wider service development and quality assurance through quarterly meetings and feedback loops.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sophie James at .uk.
Fostering Panel Vice Chair employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Panel Vice Chair
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest fostering legislation and regulations. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated, which is crucial for a leadership role like the Vice Chair.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fostering and children's services sector. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion, as these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading complex discussions. Think of specific examples where you facilitated decision-making processes, as this will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Vice Chair effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to anti-discriminatory practice by being ready to discuss how you've implemented inclusive practices in your previous roles. This will align with the values of the organisation and highlight your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Panel Vice Chair
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Fostering Panel Vice Chair position. Familiarise yourself with fostering legislation and the specific duties outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in fostering or children's services in your CV. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, particularly those involving complex discussions or decision-making processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for child-centred practice and your commitment to anti-discriminatory principles. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet the key responsibilities of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities of the Fostering Panel Vice Chair. Familiarise yourself with fostering legislation, regulations, and National Minimum Standards to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Complex Discussions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you would facilitate complex discussions and make well-reasoned recommendations. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and decision-making skills.
✨Show Commitment to Child-Centred Practice
Emphasise your commitment to anti-discriminatory and child-centred practices during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles and how you plan to continue doing so.
✨Engage with the Panel's Mission
Express your enthusiasm for the mission of the Fostering Panel and how you can contribute to its goals. Discuss any ideas you have for service improvement or how you can support the recruitment and training of panel members.
