Fostering Panel Vice Chair

We are seeking a Vice Panel Chair to support the work of the Fostering and Supported Lodgings Panel. This role is central to ensuring safe, robust and child‑centred decision‑making in the approval, review and support of foster carers, supported lodgings hosts and connected persons.

The Vice Panel Chair will cover for the Panel Chair where required and will help to ensure that panel meetings are well‑structured, inclusive, and compliant with fostering legislation, national standards and Dorset Council procedures.

Panel meetings take place 2–3 times per month, usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from approximately 09:20–16:30. Meetings are held at County Hall, Dorchester, with occasional virtual attendance where appropriate. Panel members must attend at least 75% of the panels they are invited to each year.

Key responsibilities

• Deputise for the Panel Chair in their absence and undertake all duties of the Chair when required.
• Chair panel meetings when needed, ensuring all items of business are completed fairly, thoroughly and in line with fostering regulations and Dorset Council policy.
• Participate fully in panel discussions and help guide professional, well‑reasoned recommendations.
• Ensure panel decisions remain child‑focused and reflect each child’s unique needs, identity and experiences.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, anti‑discriminatory panel environment.
• Read all panel paperwork thoroughly and maintain a strong overview of all cases being presented.
• Provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations regarding the suitability of applicants and carers.
• Support the Panel Chair in preparing for meetings and identifying issues requiring attention.
• Assist in the induction and support of new panel members when the Chair is unavailable.
• Maintain confidentiality of all panel papers and discussions.
• Participate in annual appraisal and complete required training.
• Attend one training event hosted by the fostering service each year.
• Complete the Quality Assurance and Feedback Form to Agency for each case heard.

What’s in it for you

• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people in Dorset.
• Support foster carers and kinship carers to provide high‑quality, therapeutic care.
• Contribute to Dorset Council’s Mockingbird Family Model.
• Access to full induction and dynamic training opportunities.
• Receive 1‑to‑1 support from the Advanced Practitioner / Panel Adviser.

About you

•  Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England for at least three years.
• Experience working with foster carers and/or children in care in a statutory social care environment.
• Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance and fostering practice.
• Understanding of safeguarding and the ability to apply it in panel decision‑making.
• Clear enhanced DBS check required.
• Full driving license and ability to travel for panel duties.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• Ability to create a supportive, respectful and professional panel environment.
• (Social workers qualified after September 2012 must meet the Children’s Social Worker Framework requirements.)

Safeguarding

All panel members must complete:

• An enhanced DBS check
• Mandatory training prior or at the time of joining the panel
• Observation of at least 2 panels, before being able to join as a panel member
• Induction with Panel Advisor, Panel Coordinator and Panel Chair

Interviews are being held virtually with a date already set for Monday 16^th March.

Rate of Pay:

• Half day (09:20–13:30): £150.00

• Full day (09:20–16:30): £300.00

For further information: Contact Natasha Emberley, Panel Advisor – [email protected]

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.