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Panel Member – Independent Fostering Panel

Location: Panel meetings held virtually/in person as required
Sessional Role | Flexible Commitment | Competitive Fee Paid Per Panel

About Us

The Fostering Foundation is a therapeutic independent fostering agency committed to providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. We pride ourselves on delivering child-centred, trauma-informed care and working collaboratively with foster carers, local authorities and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children.

We are currently seeking experienced and passionate individuals to join our Independent Fostering Panel.

About the Role

As a Panel Member, you will play a vital role in ensuring high standards of fostering practice and safeguarding for children and young people. You will contribute to recommendations regarding the approval, review and continued suitability of foster carers.

Panel members are expected to read reports in advance, actively contribute to professional discussions and make balanced recommendations based on the information presented.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:
• Children’s social care
• Education
• Health or mental health services
• Therapeutic or trauma-informed practice
• Care experienced adults
• Foster care or kinship care
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Youth justice or residential care

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who:
• Have relevant professional or lived experience
• Are passionate about improving outcomes for children in care
• Can analyse complex information and contribute objectively
• Have excellent communication and professional curiosity
• Understand safeguarding, equality and diversity
• Are able to work collaboratively and respectfully within a multi-disciplinary panel

Essential Requirements
• Enhanced DBS check
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good IT skills for virtual panel participation
• Commitment to trauma-informed and child-centred practice

What We Offer
• A supportive and professional panel environment
• Induction and ongoing training opportunities
• Flexible sessional commitment
• Competitive panel fee and mileage expenses where applicable
• Opportunity to positively influence the lives of children and young people

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Panel Member with The Fostering Foundation, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short expression of interest outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role.

The Fostering Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS clearance.

Form F Assessor – Independent Fostering Agency

Location: Flexible / Hybrid Working
Sessional Role | Independent Contractor | Competitive Assessment Fee

About Us

The Fostering Foundation is a therapeutic independent fostering agency committed to providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. We pride ourselves on delivering child-centred, trauma-informed care and working collaboratively with foster carers, local authorities and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children.

We are currently seeking experienced and skilled Form F Assessors to undertake high-quality fostering assessments on behalf of the agency.

About the Role

As a Form F Assessor, you will complete comprehensive fostering assessments for prospective foster carers in line with fostering regulations, national minimum standards and agency procedures.

You will be responsible for:
• Completing high-quality, analytical and evidence-based Form F assessments
• Undertaking interviews, home visits and safer care discussions
• Assessing applicants’ strengths, vulnerabilities and suitability to foster
• Completing assessments within agreed timescales
• Presenting assessments to fostering panel where required
• Working collaboratively with supervising social workers and the wider agency team

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for professionals who:
• Hold a recognised social work qualification
• Are registered with Social Work England
• Have experience within fostering and completing Form F assessments
• Have strong analytical writing and assessment skills
• Have a sound understanding of safeguarding, attachment and trauma-informed practice
• Are organised, reliable and able to manage their own workload independently
• Are confident engaging with a diverse range of applicants and professionals

Essential Requirements
• Social Work England registration
• Enhanced DBS check
• Relevant fostering and assessment experience
• Excellent report writing skills
• Access to own transport and willingness to travel where required
• Good IT skills and ability to work remotely

What We Offer
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive assessment fees
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Access to training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work within a therapeutic fostering agency committed to positive outcomes for children

How to Apply

If you are interested in working with The Fostering Foundation as an Independent Form F Assessor, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short expression of interest outlining your experience and availability.

The Fostering Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS clearance.