Fostering Panel Chair

Hertfordshire Fostering Service is looking to recruit an experienced, self-employed professional, who holds a Social Work Qualification, to act as an Independent Chair for Hertfordshire Fostering Panels. It is desirable that applicants have existing experience as a Chair or Vice Chair of fostering panels, with an appreciation or lived experience of foster care.

Hertfordshire’s main panel days are Thursdays with additional panels, usually chaired by the Vice-Chair, held on some Tuesdays in the month when required. Currently most panels are held virtually, with 1 panel per month being held face-to-face on a Thursday in Stevenage. Face to face panels could be held more frequently in future and therefore an applicant would need to be available to chair both.

Applicants must have experience and confidence in effectively chairing complex meetings and must have a good understanding of Fostering panel processes. The Panel Chair will take responsibility for ensuring that business is conducted in accordance with the fostering regulations, standards, and guidance and in keeping with Local Authority’s policies and procedures. It is expected that the Panel Chair will ensure panel functions within a clear anti-discriminatory framework and be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of child development, the impact of trauma and current good practice initiatives. The Chair will need to maintain communication with the Fostering Panel Adviser to ensure clarity is reached on information submitted prior to the Panel meeting and be able to facilitate the active participation of all panel members in the reaching of robust recommendations regarding the approval of foster carers.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to obtain the Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurances prior to commencement of the work with no extra cost to the Council.

Hertfordshire Fostering County Council Fostering Agency pays £600 per day and £300 per half day (payable on a claims basis plus travel expenses)

To request an application pack please contact Rebecca Nash by email at Rebecca.Nash@hertfordshire.gov.uk

For an informal discussion please email Service Manager for Adoption and Fostering panel Chris Cooper at chris.cooper@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Or
Panel Advisor Lesley Newth-West at Lesley Newth-West at Lesley.Newth-West@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Please note the interview date may need to be changed.