Job Description

Job Title: Independent Panel Member Fostering Panel

Location: Hybrid Panel meetings held virtually and/or at ABC Fostering offices (Salford)

Fee: 200 per panel day (Ad hoc, freelance basis)

Reports To: Panel Chair (Operational) and Responsible Person (Governance)

Overview

ABC Fostering Limited is recruiting a diverse group of Independent Panel Members to join our Fostering Panel. Members will contribute professional insight, challenge, and scrutiny to the panel's consideration of new foster carer applications, annual reviews, and other matters requiring fostering panel oversight.

Panel Members play a vital role in maintaining ABC Fostering's commitment to safeguarding, child-centred decision-making, and regulatory compliance, offering independent perspectives from health, education, social work, care experience, and community sectors.

Duties

Conduct thorough evaluations of form F assessments as part of a panel. Read, analyse, and evaluate all reports and documentation prior to panel meetings, including: Attend Fostering Panel meetings (virtual or in-person) Participate in robust discussion and contribute to panel recommendations on: Approval of new foster carers, Continued approval following review, De-registrations, resignations, or significant practice concerns. Apply child-centred thinking and ensure safeguarding is central to all decisions and contribute to the recording of decisions by offering clear, concise rationale. Maintain confidentiality and impartiality at all times Complete mandatory panel member training, including safeguarding and panel processes Stay informed on key fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, and sector guidance
Panel Values and Conduct

Ensure consistency and fairness in all panel decision-making

Respect and value difference, promoting equality and inclusion

Contribute to the learning culture of the agency by reflecting on trends and good practice

Support trauma-informed, ethical fostering approaches in line with ABC Fostering's mission

Essential

Professional background in social care, health, education, youth justice, or relevant lived experience (e.g., foster carer, care leaver)

Willing to undertake training and enhanced DBS check

Able to contribute constructively and respectfully to panel discussions

Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and ethical practice

Ability to read and analyse sensitive and complex information

Desirable

Experience as a Fostering Panel Member or working with fostering agencies

Knowledge of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011

Familiarity with trauma-informed models such as PACE or Secure Base

Understanding of regulatory expectations (e.g., Ofsted, NMS)

Awareness of current issues in children's social care and fostering

Additional Information

o Panel Members will be added to the agency's Central List and invited on a rota basis depending on availability.

o All members will receive mandatory training on panel responsibilities, decision-making, and safeguarding.

o Panel Members are not employees of ABC Fostering but engaged independently on a sessional basis.

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: Up to 200.00 per day

Benefits:

Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salford M6 6LE