At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Fostering Panel to help make impactful recommendations for vulnerable children.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary supporting diverse communities.
- Benefits: Receive excellent training, supportive networks, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible meeting times with competitive pay for your valuable contributions.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to influence fostering decisions and support local families.
- Qualifications: Passion for child welfare and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
We have a great opportunity for an Independent Panel member to join our Fostering Panel. The Fostering Panel makes recommendations on who is suitable to care for vulnerable children. We hold two panels a month and the successful candidate will be placed on a rota along with other panel members.
What’s the role?
As an Independent Fostering Panel Member, you do not need experience of sitting on Fostering Panels as long as you have transferable skills, including the ability to respectfully challenge others when needed and to be child focused. You will be required to read panel reports and be prepared to raise issues and to contribute to the panel discussions. You will participate in the making of recommendations on each case, drawing on your personal knowledge and experience. You will be required to participate with other panel members in advising on Fostering policy and procedural matters as required and to follow confidentiality requirements in relation to both paperwork and discussions.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Excellent training. The Lewisham Fostering Service provide Panel Members with induction training and relevant information regarding preparation for panel membership and supports them in their task; including updates on relevant legislation, agency policy and practice guidance.
- Supportive staff networks
- The opportunity to make a real difference to our local community.
What we’re looking for
The Fostering Service within Lewisham council is seeking a passionate and suitably experienced individual to join our central list of panel members. We are keen to recruit an individual with lived experience of being placed outside of their birth family. The ideal candidate will have an excellent standard of spoken and written English and be able to read complex reports and draw questions and conclusions from them effectively and efficiently. Good listening and communication skills are essential for this role as is the ability to use personal and/or professional knowledge and experience to contribute to discussions and decision-making in a balanced and informed manner.
Location
All panels take place in person and are held at 45 Bromley Road, Catford, SE6 2UA.
Special conditions
Care experienced individual. If you feel ready for a change and are able to take on new challenges in a progressive organization, we want to hear from you.
TO APPLY please contact Lisha Lewis on 07394836496 or email Lisha.Lewis@Lewisham.gov.uk with a copy of your CV. Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Salary
Independent Panel Members are paid a fixed fee for attendance at each meeting. £250 is paid for a full day (09:30 up to 5pm) and £150 for sitting a half day (09:30 -1:00pm). Independent members will receive payments only for panels they attend.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Fostering Panel Member, Care Resources in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Join Lewisham Council as an Independent Fostering Panel Member and be part of a progressive organisation that values diversity and community impact. With excellent training and development opportunities, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children while working alongside supportive staff networks in a culturally rich environment. Located in the heart of Lewisham, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to fostering policy and procedural matters, ensuring that every child receives the care they deserve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Panel Member, Care Resources in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering community or related fields. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those panel discussions! Brush up on your knowledge of fostering policies and procedures. Being well-informed will help you contribute meaningfully and show your commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Whether it’s reading reports or discussing cases, being articulate and clear is key. Try discussing complex topics with friends to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Panel Member, Care Resources in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your CV and Supporting Statement:Don’t just send in a generic CV! We love it when applicants tailor their CV and supporting statement to highlight how they meet each of the person specification criteria. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the Fostering Panel!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experiences and qualifications. Avoid fluff and focus on what really matters!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the necessary information there. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly read up on fostering policies and procedures. Familiarise yourself with the key issues facing vulnerable children and how the fostering panel operates. This will help you contribute meaningfully to discussions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you haven't sat on a fostering panel before, think about your transferable skills and personal experiences. Be ready to share how your background can bring a unique perspective to the panel, especially if you have lived experience of being placed outside your birth family.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your listening skills by engaging with the questions asked. Reflect on what the interviewers say and respond thoughtfully. This shows that you value collaboration and are focused on child welfare.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training provided or how the panel members work together. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
