Independent Panel Chair - Fostering

INDEPENDENT PANEL CHAIR - FOSTERING

36 MONTH INITIAL CONTRACT

Competitive Day Rate
Essex County Council is proud to have one of the largest fostering services in the country, with 7 separate teams operating across the county comprising 5 locally based fostering teams who support and supervise approved foster carers and 2 centralised teams covering Recruitment and Kinship assessment. Through the Fostering Service the County Council aims to place children looked after in families who will support them to achieve their full potential. In support of this,Essexhas an established panel service, which runs five panels countywide each month.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Chair to fulfil the independent chairing role of two Fostering Panels each month on, an initial three year tenure. The panels are held in Harlow andBasildonand you would be working alongside an experienced Panel Adviser and Business Support to panels.

We are seeking a Chair who has a working knowledge of the needs of children in care and of the Regulations and National Minimum Standards underpinning fostering and of the legislative framework for the work of the Panel. Our ideal candidate would have experience of chairing complex meetings, excellent interpersonal and listening skills and experience either professionally or personally or both, of the placement of children in foster care and of children being cared for away from their birth family.

We are looking for a Chair to assist in developing, promoting and monitoring policies and upholding the high standards of work in the Fostering Service in Essex County Council - someone who is passionate about securing excellent outcomes for children. If that is you and you have a sound and up to date understanding of fostering legislation and best practice, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Lucy Foster, Fostering Panel Adviser or Stephanie Bishop, Head of Fostering & Adoption or James King, Capita Managed Services.

Interviews will be held on 7 November 2012

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ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS, AND EXPECTS ALL EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS TO SHARE THIS COMMITMENT.

Our aim is to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Working for Essex welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Working for Essex is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.