Job Introduction
Milton Keynes Children’s Social Care are currently developing their Fostering Service and require a Vice Chair of the Fostering Panel to deputise for the Panel Chair as and when required.
The primary role of the Deputy Panel Chair is to chair Panel meetings in the Panel Chair’s absence ensuring that all items of business are covered, ensure Panel operates in accordance with regulations and the policies and procedures of the agency, prepare for Panel meetings, reading Panel papers carefully, identifying key issues and alerting the Panel adviser if necessary, to ensure, as far as possible, that the case is adequate for submission to Panel, facilitate the active participation of all Panel members in contributing to the Panel's consideration of cases and to the making of clear and well evidenced recommendations.
In order to make an application you should have experience in Fostering and/or experience as a panel member of the Fostering Panel. Fees for this role are £275 per half day panel chaired, £550 per full panel chaired. In addition to this a fee of £100 per half day attended as a panel member and £150 per full day as panel member.
Main Responsibility
- To ensure that clear and accurate minutes are written, which record any serious reservations which Panel members may have, and to be involved in checking draft minutes before they are sent to the Agency Decision Maker and to the next Panel meeting.
- To liaise with the Agency Decision Maker and with other directors as required.
- To ensure, with the Panel adviser, that directors are aware of issues of concern, in relation both to individual cases and to more general matters.
- To be involved in the recruitment and appointment of new Panel members and in any consideration about terminating the appointment of a Panel member.
- To assist in developing, promoting and monitoring policies and procedures and high standards of work in fostering services in the agency.
- To assist in planning training for Panel members and to participate in this at least one day per year.
- To safeguard the confidentiality of all Panel papers and Panel discussions.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience, either professionally or personally or both, of the placement of children in foster families and of children being cared for away from their birth family.
- Experience of chairing complex meetings.
- Suitable qualifications to undertake the role of Chair (NB it is not a requirement to be a qualified social worker).
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, multi cultural, adrenaline packed expanding city with so much to offer on its door step. From beautiful open spaces, a busy theatre district, large shopping centre to a number of cultural and leisure facilities.
Milton Keynes Council has an array of responsibilities, such as: education, housing, highways and social services. Altogether, the council provides over 240 services to the citizens of Milton Keynes, and to meet such an extensive and diverse range of challenges we must be innovative and dynamic to provide services successfully to meet the increasing demands that will accompany the growth of Milton Keynes. How better to contribute to that continued success than through a unique and rewarding career with us. Here at Milton Keynes Council, we pride ourselves on modelling our values, that were co-created with colleague. We are dedicated, respectful and collaborative as we strive every day to make a difference to local people and the community we serve. If you share our values and want to experience a fulfilling job measured on outcomes and results with great work-life balance, make a move to Milton Keynes Council.
