Fostering & Permanence Panel Co-ordinator

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Fostering and Permanence Panel Co‑Ordinator. This role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of our fostering and permanence panels, which play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in need of fostering and permanence.

• Provide comprehensive and confidential business support to both the Fostering and Permanence Panel and Agency Decision Maker (ADM)
• Implement, maintain, and review systems to ensure dates of panels and initial review approvals are undertaken within agreed statutory timescales
• Maintain professional communication as the first point of contact for panel chair, panel advisor and internal/independent panel members
• Draft agendas, book venues, take complex confidential minutes, and provide full records of panel business
• Maintain the central list of members, records, confidentiality agreements, and ensure statutory checks are kept up to date
• Produce all post-panel documentation confirming the outcome and liaise with other professionals to ensure statutory notification timescales are met
• Ensure panel members' invoices are submitted to payroll and records are maintained
• Advise on administrative processes associated with the panels and implement new procedures as directed by Business Support management.

• Experience in managing professional panels or a PA type role
• High levels of organisation and the ability to work to deadlines under pressure
• Experience in taking detailed and accurate minutes of meetings
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally
• Skills in the use of word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases
• Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Ability to devise, implement, maintain, and review office systems
• Ability to work within and interpret policies, procedures, and legislation
• Ability to appreciate the need for confidentiality.

• Be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment
• Have access to opportunities for professional development and growth.

Please note that the initial induction would involve 4 to 6 weeks on site, with an expectation the role will require to be onsite twice a week going forward.

Ealing council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check.

This post is subject to Ealing Council's enhanced vetting process.

You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.

Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its connected communities’ agenda. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive.

We therefore welcome applications from all residents of the borough, we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are entering the employment market in the early stages of their career and mid-career professionals, who are currently underrepresented in Ealing’s workforce.

Please note all applications will be determined on merit.