Fostering Panel member
The functions of the Fostering Panel are to:
- Consider reports relating to prospective foster carers and make recommendations about their suitability for approval.
- Consider first annual reviews of approved foster carers and make recommendations regarding their continued approval.
- Consider reviews and other reports relating to approved foster carers and make recommendations regarding their continued approval.
- Make recommendations to the Agency Decision Maker. The Agency Decision Maker considers the Panel's recommendation and makes the final decision.
Panel members:
East Sussex Fostering Panel members are recruited from a range of backgrounds and bring personal and/or professional experience relevant to fostering and children's services. Panel members require the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to support the fostering service in making effective, child-centred recommendations on the cases presented to them.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly keen to hear from people from ethnic minority communities, younger adults, men, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with care experience, kinship foster carers, and others whose backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences are currently underrepresented within the panel.
Increasing the diversity of the panel will help ensure a broader range of viewpoints and experiences, strengthening the quality of discussion and decision-making and helping the panel better reflect the communities it serves.
Appointments will be made on merit, taking account of the skills, experience and expertise required by the panel and the need to maintain a balanced and diverse membership. All appointments are subject to a fair and transparent selection process.
Panel members receive a fee of £150 per panel session. This includes the reading and consideration of panel papers in advance of the meeting and attendance at the panel session.
An Enhanced DBS check will be completed for all successful applicants.
Panel meetings:
East Sussex Fostering Panel meets twice a month. One meeting is face-to-face, either in Eastbourne or Lewes, and the other is virtual on Microsoft Teams. The usual expectation is that panel members should be available to attend both types of meetings on a regular basis.
As a member of East Sussex Fostering Panel, your responsibilities will include:
- Attending fostering panel meetings, prepared to raise issues and contribute to discussions.
- Participating in the making of recommendations in each case, drawing on your personal and professional knowledge and experience.
- Participating with other Panel members in advising on fostering policy and procedural matters as required.
- Reading all circulated papers thoroughly and undertaking appropriate preparation before each meeting to ensure a sound understanding of the cases being considered.
- Being prepared, where possible, to attend additional Panel meetings when requested.
- Promoting equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Safeguarding the confidentiality of all Panel papers, discussions and decisions.
- Participating in Panel induction, training and appraisal processes.
- Declaring any conflicts of interest upon receipt of papers and agendas, including any prior knowledge of a case to be considered by the Panel.
- Informing the fostering service immediately if you are charged with, cautioned for, or convicted of a criminal offence, or if any criminal proceedings are pending.
Further Information
If you are interested in becoming a Fostering Panel Member and believe you have the skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact our Panel Advisor, Adrian Sewell, on 01323 747407/8 or email fostering@eastsussex.gov.uk.