Adoption Panel Chair
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Adoption Panel Chair within One Adoption South Yorkshire.
As part of the South Yorkshire Regional Adoption Agency (Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham), you will support the effective running of panel and help ensure children and families receive the best possible outcomes through robust decision-making.
You will be part of a supportive and experienced panel structure within a service committed to achieving best practice and positive outcomes for children and families.
Location
One Adoption South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham)
Adoption Panel are held in-person, in all four local authority areas.
Role Summary & Benefits
One Adoption South Yorkshire is seeking to appoint an Independent Adoption Panel Chair to support the delivery of high-quality adoption services across the region. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with strong knowledge of adoption processes to contribute to robust, consistent and child-centred decision-making.
The panel plays a key role in making recommendations on adopter approvals, matches, and other adoption-related matters. We are looking for a Chair who brings sound professional judgement, leadership skills, and the ability to facilitate balanced, evidence-based panel discussions and recommendations.
The role will typically involve chairing two Adoption Panels per month. There will also be an expectation that the successful applicant works in partnersip with the other OASY Adoption Chairs and adoption Agency and Panel Advisors. There will occasions when occasional cover for additional panels, to ensure continuity of service.
Panels are held in-person, with occasional virtual meetings where required. Training and development opportunities are provided, including panel training sessions and regional and national engagement activities.
The fee of £500 per panel includes preparation, chairing the meeting, and associated responsibilities such as reviewing minutes and contributing to panel quality assurance processes. Additional fees, at an agreed rate, may be paid for attendance at training, development events, or regional meetings.
Key Responsibilites
- Chair Adoption Panel meetings, ensuring all business is conducted in line with statutory guidance, regulations, and agency policies.
- Prepare thoroughly for panel meetings by reading documentation in advance, identifying key issues, and liaising with the Agency Adviser where required.
- Ensure panels are effective, inclusive, and focused on making clear, well-evidenced recommendations.
- Facilitate contributions from all panel members, ensuring a balanced and respectful discussion.
- Promote diversity, equality, and anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of panel work.
- Ensure all attendees are treated with professionalism, respect, and courtesy.
- Oversee the accuracy and quality of panel minutes.
- Work closely with Agency Advisors, Agency Decision Makers, and senior leaders.
- Escalate any concerns relating to individual cases or broader service issues.
- Contribute to the recruitment, development, and appraisal of panel members.
- Participate in the evaluation and continuous improvement of panel performance.
- Support the development and review of policies and procedures.
- Contribute to panel member training sessions.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all panel papers and discussions.
- Use secure electronic systems to access and review documentation.
- Contribute to case specific, and general feedback to the regional adoption agency and the 4 Local Authorities in relation to the quality of reports and practice.
- Maintain a sound understanding of up-to-date knowledge of key adoption related themes and practice standards.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Additional Responsibilities
- To have the casting vote in relation to panel recommendation where panel cannot reach a consensus.
- In conjunction with the Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor, decide whether a case is adequate for panel consideration.
- Manage conflicts of interest among panel members.
- Contribute to the preparation of bi-annual reports on panel activity.
- Contribution to panel development
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has the ability to understand the work, practice and permanence planning within South Yorkshire.
- Understand and implements the principles of the welfare of the child being paramount
- Has experience in adoption or children in care
- Has the confidence to support or lead complex discussions
- Is an effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- Is committed to safeguarding, equality and improving outcomes for children
Salary: £500 per Adoption Panel
Further Information
If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role, please contact: Samantha Jones [email protected] or Helen Mangham [email protected]
Application Form.docx
Please return the above application form to One Adoption South Yorkshire via email to [email protected] addressed for the attention of the Adoption Agency and Panel Advisor.
Applications close on: ongoing advert
Interview date: Arranged following application and shortlisting process.
We wish you the best of luck with your application.
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