Independent Adoption Panel Chair

Permanent

Various hours available

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an independent panel chair within the Adopt South West.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to chair the joint panels. Adopt South West is the Regional Adoption Agency providing adoption services for the five local authorities of, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly councils. Devon County Council is the host Local Authority for the agency.

Adopt South West have 3 panel chairs sharing the responsibility of chairing up to 7 panels a month. All panels are held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

What you'll be doing

As Independent Adoption Panel Chair, you will lead Adoption Panels to ensure that all cases are considered fairly, thoroughly and in line with regulations, legislation, statutory guidance and National Minimum Standards.

The joint adoption panel makes recommendations on cases presented which includes plans of adoption for children, adopter approvals and matches between children and adoptive families. The panel has an important function in the quality assurance of reports and ensuring a degree of independent scrutiny over cases presented and reporting back to the agency. The panel chair is supported in their role by vice chairs.

You will:

• Chair panel meetings ensuring balanced, evidence-based recommendations.
• Create an environment where all panel members can contribute effectively.
• Promote respectful, inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Provide oversight and leadership to maintain high-quality panel standards.
• Work closely with senior leaders, including the Agency Decision Maker, to support continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development and performance of panel members including annual reviews of panel members alongside the agency advisor.

The Team

You will work as part of a committed and experienced panel team within a wider service that is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children.

Within Adopt South West we are committed to providing the best service for adoptive families, children and their birth families. We are determined to drive forward best practice across our region with forward-thinking, creativity and innovation, the adoption panel has an important role in this.

We are committed to improving our service through listening to the voice of our service users.

What we're looking for

We are looking for an individual who:

• Has a good level of experience of adoption, fostering, or children in care, along with understanding of the impact of trauma and loss and the lifelong nature of adoption.
• Is confident in chairing complex meetings and facilitating discussion.
• Has strong analysis, decision-making and communication skills.
• Can manage differing views professionally and constructively.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and achieving the best outcomes for children.
• Has excellent and proven interpersonal skills and communication.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role, please contact: Lucy Hextall lucy.hextall@devon.gov.uk.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.