Job Description

Independent Panel Member Fostering (Children's) - (Starting Well) London Borough of Havering 300 Per Panel (2 per month)

Contract: Sessional (2 Panels per month)

Message from the Director

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and families? Do you have a strong desire to be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of Havering's community? If so, we invite you to join us in our mission to elevate our local authority's Children's Social Care Services, situated within our Starting Well Department.


Following our recent inadequate Ofsted inspection, we are embarking on an improvement journey where we aim to re-establish and reinvigorate great practice across all our services delivered in Havering. As part of this journey, we are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic social care practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference, driven by a genuine desire to advocate for children, promote their well-being, and who are not afraid to take on the challenge of working for a local authority who have been inspected by Ofsted as inadequate.


In return, we want to offer you the opportunity to develop your skills through our dedicated 10 days of learning a year offer and access to our very own Social Care Academy and Systemic offer. We are committed to creating an environment where every child receives the best possible support and care, and all staff are supported to thrive and excel in safe, supported, and nurturing environments.


Our Senior leaders have worked on an improvement plan, and if you are ready to embrace this challenge and play a pivotal role in shaping our journey, we encourage you to apply.


We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our vision and drive.

About the Role

To act as a professional member for Havering Fostering panel regarding fostering matters.

About you

The London Borough of Havering Children's Services is looking to recruit independent foster panel members. Our inclusive Foster panel meets at least twice a month in person in the Havering Town Hall, based in the centre of Romford (30 minutes from the centre of London). We are a rapidly changing borough with one of the highest growing child populations in the country. We want to reflect the growing diversity of Havering's local population in our panel membership and are looking for people from different professional and cultural backgrounds to join us.


Previous panel experience is not essential. We want to recruit panel members from a wide variety of backgrounds including professionals with a background in health, education and social care. You must have experience either professionally or personally, or both. We would welcome applications from adults who are care experienced. The successful candidates will be placed on our central membership rota. If you are successful you will receive regular training to assist you in undertaking the role on the panel. You will have a thorough induction and an opportunity to observe panel before you start. This post is subject to a requirement for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check.

Key Responsibilities:

To read the circulated papers carefully before the meeting and to attend the meeting prepared to raise issues/ questions and to contribute to the Panel discussion To take responsibility for participating in the making of a recommendation, on each case, and drawing on both personal and professional knowledge and experience To attend at least 75 per cent of meetings of the Panel To be prepared to attend additional Panels if possible, if requested To participate, with other Panel members, in advising on policy and procedural matters as required To address diversity issues and promote anti discriminatory practice To safeguard the confidentiality of all Panel papers and Panel discussions To participate in Panel induction and in Panel training, this will be at least one day per year To participate constructively in the annual review of their Panel membership
As one of the greenest boroughs in London, resourcefulness is in our nature. We don't wait to be told, we take the initiative. We face the future head-on, embracing new challenges with open minds and fresh ideas. There's lots of opportunities to progress here, and if you seize them we'll support you all the way. Choose Havering and see the difference you'll make to the people that live, work and learn here.


From caring for those who need it most, to ensuring our highways and streets are safe, providing a roof over the heads of our residents, providing excellent customer service or, enhancing our digital services for staff and residents, there are so many ways you can make a positive influence here. And, whether you're outdoorsy, people-focused or analytical, we have a role that's right for you.

Or

Michelle.Bradley@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29

th

June 2025

however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.


You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview dates to be confirmed


Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the

Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .


The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates



*About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council .