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- Tasks: Join our Fostering and Adoption Panels to help make impactful decisions for children in need.
- Company: Be part of Southend-on-Sea City Council, dedicated to providing safe and loving homes for children.
- Benefits: Earn £250 for full panel days, plus travel expenses covered for in-person meetings.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping children and the ability to analyse information.
- Other info: Flexible panel meetings monthly, with training provided to enhance your skills.
The role of Fostering Panel is to support the provision of high quality and safe foster homes for our children through sound and competent recommendations regarding applicants’ suitability to foster, in line with the Fostering Service Regulations 2011 [England]. Fostering Panel also delivers on Southend’s Kinship vision, enabling and ensuring that children who need to be in our care, wherever possible, are looked after by those who know them best in their wider family and supported by regulation.
The role of Adoption Panel is to ensure the approval of well assessed and supported adopters for children in need of adoptive homes, and to support the approval of matches between adopters and children in need of an adoptive family, through equally sound and competent recommendations regarding applicants’ suitability to adopt, in line with the Adoption Service Regulations 2011 [England].
As a Panel Member you will sit in an independent capacity, supporting Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Fostering and Adoption Services to make the best decisions for children. You will carefully consider the paperwork provided to Panel prior to the meeting, as well as the Panel discussions. You will need to be comfortable forming and articulating a view in a formal meeting setting and able to read, process and analyse large amounts of complex information.
Induction to the role and ongoing training and development is provided. You would also need to be able to attend one training development day annually, as well as any other panel development as required or invited. Panels take place monthly mostly on a Monday, throughout the year, in person and occasionally virtually and you would need to be able to attend a minimum of 6 panels. Panels start at 9.30am and usually finish by 4.30pm. You would need to be able to attend the whole panel. Preparation for the panel includes reading all paperwork and formulating questions.
This post’s status means that you will not be employed by Southend-on-Sea City Council. Fees are £250 for a full panel day and £125 for a half day (up to 3.5 hours). The fee includes reading and preparation time. Travel expenses are payable for face-to-face panels.
Please email adoptionadmin@southend.gov.uk for an Application Form. We look forward to welcoming your application. If you would like to discuss this role further please contact Karl Marsden, Panels Advisor karlmarsden@southend.gov.uk. Interviews to be held online with the Independent Chair and Vice Chair as well as the Panels Advisor.
Minimum of 6 panels a year, Fostering Panel and Adoption Panel meet for one day a month in person respectively. Panel Members need to allocate sufficient reading time. Location: Southend-on-Sea City Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6ER.
Fostering, Adoption & Permanence Panels Members employer: Coram Academy Ltd
Contact Detail:
Coram Academy Ltd Recruiting Team
adoptionadmin@southend.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering, Adoption & Permanence Panels Members
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Fostering Service Regulations 2011 and the Adoption Service Regulations 2011. Understanding these regulations will help you articulate your insights during panel discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former panel members if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the panel meetings and what is expected from a member, which can help you prepare effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently in a formal setting. Consider joining local discussion groups or public speaking clubs to enhance your communication skills, as this will be crucial during panel meetings.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to allocate sufficient time for reading and preparation before each panel meeting. Being well-prepared will not only boost your confidence but also enable you to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering, Adoption & Permanence Panels Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Fostering and Adoption Panel Member. Familiarise yourself with the Fostering Service Regulations 2011 and the Adoption Service Regulations 2011 to ensure your application reflects your knowledge of these frameworks.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in child welfare, social work, or similar fields in your CV. Emphasise any previous roles that required analytical skills, decision-making, and the ability to work in a formal setting, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for child welfare and your commitment to making sound recommendations for fostering and adoption. Provide specific examples of how your background and skills align with the role's requirements.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common questions related to fostering and adoption. Be ready to discuss your approach to analysing complex information and your ability to articulate your views in a panel setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coram Academy Ltd
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of a Fostering and Adoption Panel Member. Familiarise yourself with the Fostering Service Regulations 2011 and the Adoption Service Regulations 2011 to demonstrate your knowledge during the discussion.
✨Prepare for Complex Information
Since the role involves analysing large amounts of complex information, practice summarising and discussing case studies or hypothetical scenarios. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and show that you can handle the demands of the position.
✨Formulate Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the panel's operations and the decision-making process. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your understanding of the importance of thorough evaluations in fostering and adoption.
✨Demonstrate Your Independent Thinking
As a panel member, you'll need to form and express your views independently. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach making recommendations based on the information provided, showcasing your ability to think critically and contribute effectively in a formal meeting setting.
