Casual Independent Fostering Panel Chair

| Salary £250 - £500 Per Panel | Casual Hours | Fostering Services, Lancashire |

 International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship 

 Casual Independent Fostering Panel Chair

We are looking for an additional independent fostering Panel Chair to support our existing dedicated team of chairs. Although the role would be to predominantly chair a fostering panel, there may be occasions where you would be asked to chair an adoption panel for Adoption Lancashire & Blackpool. To apply you must be registered as a social worker and must be independent of Lancashire's children's services (or have left over 12 months ago).

We currently hold 5 x fostering panels a month and are looking for a qualified social worker with experience of chairing complex meetings to join our team as a fostering panel chair. At present you would be required for one panel a month, however this may increase in the future. This is a casual position with fees paid per panel. We currently pay our panel chairs £500 for each full days panel they attend and this includes the fee for pre reading and signing off the minutes. If a panel finishes before 1pm this is classed as a half day and the fee payable for that is £250. 

At present our fostering panels are hybrid with these pre-dominantly held virtually using the MICROSOFT TEAMS platform and one panel held face to face. This may be subject to change in the future with an increased request for face-to-face panels. Therefore, there is a requirement to be available across both delivery platforms. Some computer skills are essential for virtual panels and there will be a requirement to chair. This role also includes some travel for training and development sessions.

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.

The panel team are friendly, professional and dedicated to improving the panel service for all stakeholders. We would welcome your suggestions to assist us on our journey. 

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further information. 

Closing Date: 28^th September 2025

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

You must be registered (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker or have applied to register with the Social Care Council. For Social Worker/Care Manager positions where non social worker qualifications are accepted, registration is not required, and you will be appointed as a Care Manager.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

Job Description & Person Specification