Chair of Suffolk Adoption Agency's Permanence Panels

Job description:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Suffolk County Council (SCC) Fostering and Adoption Team as a Chair of Suffolk Adoption Agency's Permanence Panel working from Endeavour House, Ipswich or attending virtual meetings.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and aspirational person to lead our Permanence Panel. This role could be a job share with the existing Co-Chair or could be a standalone position depending on your availability to commit to this role. This is your opportunity as a professional and committed individual to join our friendly and supportive team.

* Do you have in depth experience of adoption, fostering and children looked after?
* Do you have skills in skills in chairing, analysis, and summarising information?
* Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people living in Suffolk?

In this role, you will be:

* leading the Permanence Panel which considers adoption approvals, matches and early permanence approvals as well as foster carer reviews for those approved for early permanence
* as the Adoption Agency rises to the challenge of the adoption reforms, we would like an individual who can continue to lead the Panel in moving forward with developments in adoption practice
* able to attend panel meetings weekly on a Wednesday and may be a half or full day. Most panels will be held virtually, but some will be held in person at Endeavour House in Ipswich.

You will need:

* to be experienced in adoption, fostering and children looked after
* have strong skills chairing, analysis, and summarising information
* you must be able to command the respect of panel members and work closely with a variety of colleagues in Suffolk Children and Young Peoples Service
* you must also be confident to give clear and independent feedback to the Agency on quality issues for children that arise from panel work
* an understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements in the workplace
* you will be offered ongoing training and opportunities to gain knowledge and experience.

About us and what we will offer you:

Suffolk Adoption Agency is part of Suffolk County Council and the Adopt East alliance of regional Adoption Agencies. As an Independent Panel Chair to Suffolk's Permanence Panel you will benefit from close working relationships with the panel advisor and panel co-ordinator/administrator and have opportunities to network with other Independent Panel chairs within Adopt East and also on a national level via Suffolk's Coram BAAF membership.

The Permanence Panel sits three times a month with every fourth week being a panel 'break' week, the majority of these meetings take place on Microsoft Teams, however, we are proud to offer face-to-face meetings where needed, at Endeavour House in Ipswich.

There are also three development sessions offered annually which are a mixture of in person and virtual. Additional annual training for panel chairs can be discussed during your annual performance review.

We offer a fantastic working environment including diverse and active staff networks, great flexible working options and many benefits, as well as the opportunity to improve the lives of Suffolk residents. Visit the Suffolk County Council career website to learn more.

We are committed to flexible working. It will be possible for this role to mostly be worked from home but may require occasional travel to Ipswich.

To find out more:
For an informal discussion only, please contact Eve Desjardins, Professional Advisor for Permanence by phone on: (01473) 264463 or via email at: eve.desjardins@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply:
Applicants should forward an up-to-date CV along with a covering letter that outlines why the applicant is applying for this role, and providing evidence of how they meet the skills and experience requirements needed for this role as outlined in the Job Description provided.

Completed applications to be returned via email to: CorporateParentingRecruitment@suffolk.gov.uk