Fostering Panel Member

Contract Type: Casual

Salary: From £150 for a half-day panel, up to a maximum of £200 for a full day panel

Hours Per Week: Flexible

Base Location: Tameside Children’s Services and hybrid

Assessment Date: To be arranged

Make a Difference to the Lives of Children

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our Fostering Panel as Independent Panel Members. In this role, you will help ensure that children and young people are provided with safe, stable and nurturing foster homes through robust, child-centered, evidence-based decision-making.

About the Role

Panel members are required to scrutinise fostering and kinship assessments and reviews, contribute to panel discussion, identify areas of strength and risk, and make evidence-based recommendations regarding the approval and continued suitability of our foster carers.

Essential Requirements

A commitment to safeguarding children; ability to maintain confidentiality; strong communication skills; objective judgement; understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion; willingness to undertake training and develop in the role.

Who We Are Looking For

Applications are very much welcomed from across all communities from people with experience in fostering, social work, youth work, education, health, safeguarding, law, voluntary services, care experience, or other relevant fields. (Please note that social workers applying in this capacity must have a minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience, as required by the Fostering Services (England) Regulations, (2011)).

You should be highly organised, analytical, accustomed to reading complex information, able to formulate appropriate questions, challenge constructively and work collaboratively and inclusively.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a formal interview exploring areas of safeguarding, decision-making, analytical skills, professional curiosity and general understanding of fostering panels. Candidates may be asked to discuss a short fostering scenario. Successful applicants will be able to observe a panel meeting as part of their induction process.

Pre-Appointment Checks

Appointment is only made subject to meeting our requirements in accordance with safe recruitment practices which requires satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, identity verification and other safeguarding checks.

Training, Support and Renumeration

All standard panel members will receive a panel induction, have access to training, an annual appraisal and ongoing support from the Panel Chair and Panel Adviser.

Payments claimed include all preparation, such as time spent reading and travelling. Payments are made following completion of panel, typically from £150 for a half-day panel, up to a maximum of £200 for a full day panel. A further £100 can be claimed for attendance at a panel training / development day. £100 is also made to observe panel as part of the induction process.

About Us

Message from Jill Colbert, Director of Children’s Services

“I joined the council at the beginning of 2025 and was instantly charmed by the warmth, openness, and energy of colleagues.

“I came to Tameside for one reason; because I know we can do fantastic things for our families here.

“We’re a children’s service on a significant improvement journey. We know what needs to be different for our children and families and we’re ambitious to deliver that change.

“We have a growing range of specialist services for children, where you can test and grow your skills and practice. We have a Social Work Academy that is led by people who bring passion to learning and who know that the DCS’ of the future are right in front of them. We are working on our progression pathways so that staying in Tameside is rewarded and recognised. We have investment in innovation and improvement from the council so that we can grow services and support for families that we can sustain, from family hubs through to complex safeguarding.

“I am so certain that we can build a proud, inclusive and safe climate for great practice to flourish in Tameside. I’d love you to join me on the journey here at Team Tameside.”

Our Heart of Support Practice Approach

At Tameside, we believe in:

• Compassion understanding the lived experiences of children and families.
• Curiosity asking questions that lead to deeper insight and better outcomes for children.
• Collaboration working together across services to deliver joined-up support.
• Conversation listening and engaging meaningfully with children, families and professionals.
• Courage leading with courage, making bold and compassionate decisions that put children first.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures.

Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.

Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here

We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel. Please click here for more information on our guaranteed assessment scheme.

For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Cheryl Davies on 0161 342 2451 / cheryl.davies@tameside.gov.uk or Alice McKenzie on 0161 342 2438 / alice.mckenzie@tameside.gov.uk

Supporting Documents