At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your expertise to make impactful decisions for children's fostering services.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on safeguarding and promoting child welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £225 per meeting, with ongoing support and professional development.
- Other info: Meet monthly online or in-person, with flexible attendance options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while collaborating with diverse professionals.
- Qualifications: Health professional qualification and knowledge of children's wellbeing required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
As an Independent Panel Member, you will use your professional expertise to contribute to robust, child-focused decision making. Working alongside a multidisciplinary panel, you will provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge when considering foster carer approvals, reviews and other fostering-related matters. This opportunity is ideal for professionals who are passionate about safeguarding children and promoting high-quality fostering services. Your health knowledge and experience will help ensure children's health, wellbeing and developmental needs are fully considered within panel discussions.
About the Role
Our Fostering Panel meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held either online or at our Harold Wood office, supporting fostering services across the London and East region. Panel Members play an important role in maintaining high standards and ensuring that recommendations are informed, balanced and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.
What You'll Bring
- Has a recognised health professional qualification and relevant professional experience
- Has knowledge of children's health, development and wellbeing
- Understands safeguarding responsibilities and the needs of vulnerable children and young people
- Can analyse complex information and contribute confidently to panel discussions
- Demonstrates sound professional judgement and the ability to offer constructive challenge
- Is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
Previous experience of fostering, adoption, children's services or panel work is desirable but not essential.
What We Offer
- Play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people
- Work alongside experienced professionals from a range of disciplines
- Contribute to the quality and effectiveness of fostering services
- Receive induction and ongoing support to fulfil the role effectively
- Be paid £225 per panel meeting attended
Commitment Required
- Attendance at the Fostering Panel held on the first Wednesday of each month
- Review panel papers in advance of meetings
- Attendance may be in person at Harold Wood or online, depending on operational requirements
Recruitment Process
The selection process will include:
- Formal interview
- Participation in a Fostering Young Recruiter Panel
Interview Panel: Jeannette Elat Essoubat, Service Manager; Mashuda Wahid. Interview dates will be confirmed following shortlisting.
Interested?
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jeannette Elat Essoubat, Service Manager, London and East Fostering Service. Join us and help ensure children are provided with safe, nurturing and supportive fostering arrangements where they can thrive.
Independent Panel Member in London employer: Five Rivers Child Care
Five Rivers Child Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while making a meaningful impact on children's lives in Doncaster. With a strong focus on professional development and ongoing training, employees are empowered to enhance their skills in a supportive and nurturing work culture. The company offers a range of benefits designed to support your career in education, making it an ideal place for those passionate about fostering a love of learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Panel Member in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Five Rivers Child Care.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Five Rivers Child Care!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Five Rivers Child Care, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Five Rivers Child Care or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Panel Member in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Five Rivers Child Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Five Rivers Child Care! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Rivers Child Care
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
