Independent Dsap Chair, Diocese Of Southwell & Nottingham

Main duties and responsibilities:

As Panel Chair you will be required to chair panel meetings monthly (or as required); meetings will take place in either of CFC’s main offices located in Gloucester and Lancaster.  We undertake a blended approach to our Panel’s; some are face to face whilst some remain on zoom.  Our preference is for Panels to take place face to face wherever possible. 

As a Panel Chair you will be expected to take responsibility to:

-        Chair panel meetings (to include panel briefing), ensuring that all items of business are covered and that the panel operates in accordance with regulations and CFC’s policies and procedures

-        Prepare for all panel meetings, reading papers thoroughly and identifying key issues and alerting the panel advisor if necessary, to ensure 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 with the reasons for these.

-        To address diversity issues and to promote anti-discriminatory practice at all times

-        Ensure that clear and accurate minutes are written, which record the views of all panel members and to be involved in the checking and agreeing draft minutes with other panel members before they are sent to the agency decision maker

-        To liaise with the ADM and other senior managers as required

-        Ensure that the ADM and registered manager are aware of any areas of concern, in relation to individual cases and more general matters

-        Be involved in the recruitment and appointment of central list members and in any consideration about terminating the appointment of a member

-        Review, alongside the panel advisor, the performance of central list members as the need arises, and at least annually.

-        Assist in developing, promoting and monitoring policies and procedures and high standards of work in fostering services in the agency.

-        Assist in planning training for members and to participate in this at least one day a year

-        Safeguarding the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions

-        Be involved in

o   Whether a case is adequate for submission to panel (via panel briefing meeting)

o   Deciding on the attendance of observers at panel

o   Deciding on the participation of a panel members who declare an interest in the case

o   Deciding when an extra panel maybe necessary

o   The preparation of an annual report on the panel’s work

-        Participation in Fostering Quality Assurance meetings (3 times a year), to support the agency monitor and review areas of practice across the fostering service, to include the panel’s performance.

Key drivers of considerations

As Panel Chair you will, at all times:

·        Adhere to Relevant Legislation and Regulation including The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011.

·        Work consistently with Community Foster Care’s values and contribute to achieving its mission.

·        Seek to develop and enhance good social work practice for yourself and for others.

·        Promote Community Foster Care’s reputation and protect its ability to achieve its mission.  

Key requirements you should be aware of

·        You must be able to travel effectively, the ability to Chair Panel meetings in both Lancaster and Gloucester will be a key requirement of this role.

·        You must be experienced in chairing complex meetings, skilled and effective in chairing meetings in person and through video conference facilities.

Safeguarding

·          Work with tenacity and courage in line with best practice to safeguard all children.  This will include, but is not restricted to:

o   Quality assurance and monitoring fostering assessments and annual review reports as presented for Panel’s consideration, alerting the panel advisor and/or Registered Manager of any areas of concern

o   Monitoring the safe practice of Foster Carers via the annual review process

o   Working effectively within the Charities policies and structures and with other Agencies and Professionals.

o   Ensuring effective communication with Children, Young people and Adults.

o   Working effectively within the relevant local policies.

o   Challenging ineffective or unsafe practice or decisions.

o   Ensure adherence to the Health and Safety Policy.

Training

·         Attend at least one panel training event per year as per regulations.

·         Support the panel advisor in identifying training needs of panel members in line with their annual appraisal

·         As an independent worker you must maintain and attend to your own training needs in accordance with Social Work England requirements if registered.

What we require from all our employees

·        A commitment and alignment with Community Foster Care’s Values.

·        A tenacity and commitment to resolve and develop our ability to enable children to thrive.

·        A willingness to embrace challenge and actively seek constructive feedback.

·        A willingness and ability to be a highly functioning team player.

·        A commitment to anti oppressive practice, underpinned by an understanding and promotion of equality and diversity.

It is the nature of work of Community Foster Care that tasks and responsibilities are unpredictable and varied.  All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises where tasks are not specifically covered in the Job Description and have to be undertaken.

Community Foster Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosures Barring Service clearance at enhanced level.

CVs will not be accepted in any circumstances; all applicants must complete an application form.