Independent Fostering Panel Chair

Surrey County Council is seeking to appoint an Independent Fostering Panel Chair who is committed to innovative practice, supporting our aim to provide high quality foster care and achieving the best possible outcomes for our children.

The Fostering panel has oversight and makes recommendations on the recruitment, assessment and review of foster carers, including connected persons, and long term matches. We invite applications from candidates who have previous experience professionally and/or personally with looked after children and fostering, experience of fostering panels, and of chairing complex meetings.

The salary is GBP500 per panel meeting (inclusive of preparation work). Panels take place on average four times a month, but there are times when extra panels are required. The Vice Chair normally chairs one panel per month and the Chair would be expected to chair at least three panels per month.

The successful applicant will have the ability to chair a complex meeting where a wide variety of views may be expressed. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to facilitate the active participation of all panel members to identify key issues assisting panel to reach robust recommendations regarding the approval of foster carers or their ongoing registration.

For more information please find the full job description below and refer to this before submitting your application.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/07/2022 with interviews to follow.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.