Independent Fostering Panel Members
Could your experience help shape the future of fostering in Powys?
Powys Fostering Service is seeking applications from individuals interested in joining our Independent Fostering Panel.
We are particularly interested in hearing from:
- A Care Experienced Representative (an adult with lived experience of being looked after in foster care, kinship care, or children's residential care setting)
The Fostering Panel plays a vital role in ensuring that children and young people are cared for by safe, nurturing and well-supported foster families. As an Independent Panel Member, you will contribute your unique perspective, lived experience and professional judgement to discussions that influence some of the most important decisions in a child's life.
We value the expertise that comes from both lived and practical experience and are committed to ensuring children's voices remain at the heart of all decision-making.
Applicants who are employed by Powys County Council will not be considered.
Please note: Applicants for the Foster Carer Representative role must be currently approved foster carers and must not be approved by, foster for, or undertake respite care for Powys County Council.
Location
Panels are generally held at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, although some meetings may be held virtually.
Commitment
One or two panels per month, usually on second and fourth Tuesday between 9.30am and 4pm.
Status
Independent Panel Members are self-employed and subject to HMRC off-payroll working rules (IR35).
Role purpose
As an Independent Fostering Panel Member, you will provide independent scrutiny, constructive challenge and quality assurance to the panel process.
You will contribute to recommendations regarding:
- The approval of prospective foster carers.
- Reviews of approved foster carers.
- Changes to foster carer approval terms.
- Other fostering matters referred to Panel.
You will help ensure that recommendations are child-centred, evidence-based and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Key responsibilities
As an Independent Panel Member, you will:
- Read and analyse panel papers thoroughly before meetings.
- Identify strengths, risks, gaps in information and areas requiring clarification.
- Attend panel meetings fully prepared and actively contribute to discussions.
- Apply independent judgement when considering information presented to Panel.
- Participate in making recommendations based on evidence, professional discussion and the needs of children and young people.
- Draw upon personal, professional and lived experience in a balanced and constructive manner.
- Ensure that children's welfare, safety and best interests remain central to all recommendations.
- Provide respectful challenge where information is incomplete or where practice standards require further consideration.
- Contribute to the quality assurance of assessments, reviews and reports presented to Panel.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of panel business.
- Support anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to all Panel papers, discussions and recommendations.
- Attend a minimum of 75% of panel meetings annually.
- Participate in induction, ongoing learning and training.
- Contribute to panel business meetings minimum twice annually.
- Assist in identifying themes and learning that may contribute to service improvement.
Person specification
Care Experienced Representative
Essential experience
- Personal lived experience of being looked after away from your birth family.
- Ability to reflect upon and draw on your experiences constructively.
- Ability to represent the perspectives of children and young people with care experience.
- Experience of contributing to discussions and expressing views confidently and respectfully.
Essential knowledge
- Understanding of the challenges and opportunities experienced by children in care.
- Appreciation of the importance of stable, nurturing and supportive placements.
- Understanding of how relationships, identity, belonging and permanence impact children and young people.
- Awareness of the importance of ensuring children's voices influence decision-making.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- The ability to analyse complex written reports and identify key issues.
- The ability to make balanced, evidence-based judgements.
- The confidence to question, challenge and seek clarification appropriately.
- Excellent listening and communication skills.
- The ability to respect differing viewpoints and contribute to constructive discussions.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary panel.
- The ability to understand and retain large amounts of complex and sometimes sensitive information.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Willingness to learn and keep knowledge up to date through training and development.
Personal qualities
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:
- Integrity and professionalism.
- Empathy and compassion.
- Objectivity and fairness.
- Reliability and commitment.
- Respect for diversity and difference.
- A child-centred approach to decision-making.
- Commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive family environment.
Application process
Please submit:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A brief supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring.
- Details of a referee who can comment on your suitability for the position.
Applications should be sent to:
Debra Walker, Fostering Team Manager
Email: debra.walker@powys.gov.uk
Delyth Berni, Fostering Team Manager
Email: Delyth.berni@powys.gov.uk
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance will be required for successful applicants.