At a Glance
- Tasks: Chair adoption panels, prepare meetings, and support panel members through training.
- Company: Adoption West, a regional agency dedicated to improving adoption services.
- Benefits: Competitive fee per panel, additional fees for training contributions, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the adoption process and support families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in adoption processes and strong chairing skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to service improvement and work with a passionate team.
Adoption West is a regional adoption agency covering six local authorities in the South West. We are looking to appoint an Independent Chair to its Adoption Panel due to the retirement of one of our three Chairs at the end of March 2026. The role requires a sound understanding and experience of the adoption process, strong chairing skills, and the ability to contribute to the overall performance of the Adoption Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair approximately 20 adoption panels a year, preparing for and chairing meetings.
- Quality-check minutes of the panel meetings.
- Take part in panel members' annual appraisals and contribute to six-monthly performance reports.
- Attend online meetings with Adoption Advisers and Agency Decision Makers (four times a year and twice a year respectively).
- Support panel members through face-to-face training days (held twice a year) and other training events.
- Attend South West Adoption Consortium (SWAC) meetings and participate in related activities.
Remuneration
The Chair receives a fee of £571 per adoption panel, which covers preparation, chairing, and post-meeting duties. Additional fees are paid for contribution to panel training events and attendance at SWAC meetings.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the adoption process.
- Proven skills in chairing multidisciplinary panels.
- Ability to work independently and contribute to service improvement.
- Will require an Enhanced DBS check before appointment can be confirmed.
Confidentiality
Employees are expected to maintain the required level of confidentiality at all times in relation to their work.
How to Apply
Please complete an application on our website. For an informal discussion about this role, contact Alison Hall, Service Manager, by emailing at alison.hall@example.com.
Adoption Panel Chair - Adoption West in Bradford-on-Avon employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Panel Chair - Adoption West in Bradford-on-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the adoption sector, especially those who have experience with panels. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your chairing skills and understanding of the adoption process. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to speak about your background, highlight specific examples of your chairing experience and how you've contributed to service improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Adoption West team.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Panel Chair - Adoption West in Bradford-on-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the role of Adoption Panel Chair. Familiarise yourself with the adoption process and the key responsibilities listed in the job description. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns perfectly with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Chairing Skills: Since strong chairing skills are a must-have for this role, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have. Share specific examples where you've successfully led meetings or panels, and how you managed discussions to ensure everyone’s voice was heard. We want to see your leadership shine through!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want your application to be professional, don’t shy away from letting your personality come through. Use a friendly tone and share your passion for adoption and improving services. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to double-check everything before hitting that submit button!
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Know Your Adoption Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the adoption process. Familiarise yourself with current practices, legislation, and any recent changes in the field. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Off Your Chairing Skills
Prepare examples of your chairing experience, especially in multidisciplinary settings. Think about how you've facilitated discussions, managed conflicts, and ensured everyone has a voice. Being able to articulate these experiences will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Engage with the Panel's Goals
Understand the objectives of Adoption West and how the panel contributes to these goals. Be ready to discuss how you can support service improvement and enhance the overall performance of the Adoption Service during your interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the challenges the panel faces or how they measure success. It shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework, which can set you apart from other candidates.