Fostering Panel Member

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants. What's the role? Independent Fostering Panel Member. As an independent Fostering Panel Member, you will be expected to commit to at least 75% of the panel dates you are on rota to attend. You will be required to read panel reports and be prepared to raise issues and to contribute to the panel discussions. You will participate in the making of recommendations on each case, drawing on both personal and professional knowledge and experience. You will be required to participate with other panel members in advising on fostering policy and procedural matters as required. What's in it for you?

• Excellent training.
• The Lewisham Fostering Service will provide Panel Members with induction training and relevant information in preparation for panel membership and support them in their task; including updates with relevant legislation, agency policy and practice guidance.
• Supportive staff networks
The opportunity to make a real difference to our local community

The Fostering Service within Lewisham council is seeking passionate and suitably qualified individuals to join our central list of panel members. We seek individuals with a variety of professional and personal experiences to ensure we have sufficient members to enable panel to carry out its regulatory functions. We are keen to recruit individuals with some professional or lived experience of children being placed outside of their birth family, particularly social workers with 3 years post qualifying experience working with Children with Disabilities and those working in the health sector including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. The ideal candidates will have an excellent standard of spoken and written English and be able to read complex reports and draw questions and conclusions from them effectively and efficiently. Good listening and communication skills are essential for this role as is the ability to use personal and/or professional knowledge and experience to contribute to discussions and decision-making in a balanced and informed manner.,
• SWE registered social workers with 3 years post qualifying experience working with Children with Disabilities.
• Professionals with experience working in the health sector including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services., If you feel ready for a change and are able to take on new challenges in a progressive organisation, we want to hear from you.
  
  Independent Panel Members are paid a fixed fee for attendance at each meeting. £250 is paid for a full day (09:30 up to 5pm) and £150 for sitting a half day (09:30 -1:00pm). Independent members will receive payments only for panels they attend.
A fixed fee is also paid for attendance at training. £50 is paid per half day session (09:30 to 1:30) and £100 for a full day (09:30 to 4:30pm).