Jobs

Payment: £550 per panel including associated tasks as Panel Chair (plus mileage or public transport cost, travelling time not paid for) 

Location: Fostering and Support Services, Queens House, Wakefield / virtual

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity of the role of Independent Fostering Panel Chair. 

Minimum requirement of two panels per month, convened on a Wednesday, (with some additional panels held according to need)

You will be supported by an experienced Panel Advisor and Panel Administrator. 

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. We are committed to securing permanence for all our Children in Care.  

Wakefield Council is proud to operate a highly regarded fostering service. We incorporate specialist teams that support a variety of activity to include recruitment and retention, assessment, kinship, as well as a supervisory team.

There are multi-agency approaches to promoting positive outcomes for children. We are also working on a range of initiatives to promote the participation of looked-after children and young people and have our own bespoke Children in Care Council and Voice and Participation forums.

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Employees are encouraged to participate in training activities to enhance their own personal development.

The postholder will need to exercise discretion in handling highly confidential information.

We are seeking applications from people with: 

• Experience of either professionally or personally or both, of the placement of children in adoptive and foster families, children placed within kinship arrangements and of children being cared for away from their birth family.

• Experience of chairing complex meetings

• Understanding and experience of pertinent legislation and guidance related to children in care, fostering and kinship arrangements.

Enhanced CRB clearance is necessary for this role. 

Successful applicants will be subject to a probationary review at 6 months and an annual appraisal. 

For information and an informal chat about the role, please contact Debbie Hague, Service Manager, Fostering and Support Services on 01924 302160

Closing date for applications: 21^st February 2025

Interviews: To be arranged

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Debbie Hague.

Tel: 01924 302160

E-mail: dehague@wakefield.gov.uk