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- Tasks: Listen to families and make fair decisions on school appeals.
- Company: Join the Midlothian Education Appeals Panel and make a difference.
- Benefits: Full training, support from experienced clerks, and travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Help local children get a fair chance at their education.
- Qualifications: Must be a parent, have education experience, or knowledge of Midlothian's educational conditions.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for additional hearings throughout the year.
Are you a good listener, clear thinker and fair-minded? Then you already have what it takes to become an Education Appeals Panel member.
Why the Education Appeals Panel matters: Where a child goes to school can shape the friends they make, the support they receive, and their path in life. So when a family believes their child hasn’t been offered their preferred school place, they have the right to appeal through an independent panel. That’s where you come in. By volunteering you can help to ensure that local children get a fair hearing about their education.
What you will do: As an Education Appeals Panel member, you’ll listen to families about why they believe their child should be offered a different school place, hear the school’s position, and make an impartial decision based on the evidence. You need impartiality, empathy and sound judgement for this role. If this sounds like you, then you have the qualities we are looking for. We’ll provide a full training package on everything else.
What we provide:
- Full training in April-May 2026 (online, plus reading materials)
- Mock hearings which will allow panel members to observe and understand the hearing process before participating in an arranged hearing.
- Support from experienced clerks at every hearing
- Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
- Full reimbursement of Disclosure Check
Time commitment: Appeals are approximately an hour and while most hearings will be heard from the 25th May to the 26th June 2026 there may occasionally be a requirement to attend additional hearings throughout the year. We would require you to commit to a full day, which would include approximately 4-7 panel hearings.
Who can apply: You must be:
- A parent of a child of school age, OR
- Someone with experience in education, OR
- Someone with knowledge about educational conditions in Midlothian
Plus:
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Available for the May-June 2026 period with the possibility of occasional days throughout the rest of the year.
- Able to pass a Disclosure Check (cost reimbursed)
For further information regarding the role please click here: Join Midlothian's Education Appeals Panel | Midlothian Council
How to apply: Think this role could be for you? Register your interest by 30 March 2026 with a short note explaining why. Register your interest: education.appeals@midlothian.gov.uk Got any questions? Email our Education Appeals team and we can arrange an informal chat – we’re happy to help.
Midlothian Education Appeals Panel - Panel Members - MID07288 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Midlothian Education Appeals Panel - Panel Members - MID07288
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Education Appeals process and the qualities they’re looking for. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with what they need.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t hesitate to reach out! If you have questions, drop an email to the Education Appeals team. They’re open to informal chats, and it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and get insider info.
✨Tip Number 3
When you register your interest, make it personal! Share a brief note that highlights your experience or connection to education. This is your chance to stand out and show why you’re passionate about this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on the timeline! Make sure you’re available for the training in April-May 2026 and the hearings that follow. Being proactive about your availability shows commitment and reliability.
We think you need these skills to ace Midlothian Education Appeals Panel - Panel Members - MID07288
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and why you're passionate about this role. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to being a fair-minded listener.
Keep It Clear and Concise: Make sure your note is easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. A well-structured application will help us see your key points quickly!
Show Your Empathy: Since this role involves listening to families, it’s important to demonstrate your empathetic side in your application. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to understand and support others in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our official channels! Head over to our website to register your interest and submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can get back to you promptly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp what being an Education Appeals Panel member entails. Familiarise yourself with the appeal process and the importance of impartiality and empathy in decision-making. This will help you articulate why you're a good fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Listening Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your active listening skills. You might be asked situational questions about how you would handle specific scenarios. Take your time to think through your responses, showing that you can listen carefully and respond thoughtfully.
✨Prepare Examples
Think of real-life examples where you've had to make fair decisions or show empathy. Whether it's from your parenting experience or your background in education, having these stories ready will help illustrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training process or the types of cases you might encounter. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect if you’re selected.
