Fostering Panel Vice Chair

Rotherham-Metropolitan-Borough-Council; North Anston; Hybrid; GBP 5,000 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an Independent Fostering Panel Vice Chair within Children’s Services. The role involves supporting the panel, chairing when required, and contributing to robust, outcome-focused decisions in a flexible, zero-hours arrangement.

Panels occur fortnightly, with a rota for in-person and online meetings. The post emphasises safeguarding, equality and improving outcomes for children, within an Outstanding authority.

Qualifications

• Experience in fostering, adoption or children in care.
• Confi­dence to lead complex discussions.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chair in leading panel meetings and chair when required.
• Contribute to high-quality, balanced decision-making.
• Ensure panels operate in line with statutory requirements and best practice.
• Support a culture of respectful challenge and inclusive discussion.
• Contribute to the development and effectiveness of the panel.
• Sit as a regular independent panel member when not required to chair.

Skills

Fostering experience

Lead discussions

Communication skills

Safeguarding focus

Job description

Job profile for Fostering Panel Vice Chair

Fostering Panel Vice Chair

Riverside House 22/10/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £500 payment per panel when chairing.£80 (half day) / £150 (full day) payment per panel when not chairing. Basis Other Region Rotherham Job category/type Childrens Social Work Date posted 09/10/2026 Job reference REQ24141 Attachments Job Profile.docx Benefits Package.doc

Job description

Directorate: Children & Young People Services

Casual, Zero hours

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Independent Fostering Panel Vice Chair within Rotherham Borough Council’s Children’s Services.

As part of an Outstanding local authority, you will support the effective running of panel and help ensure children receive the best possible outcomes through robust decision-making.

About the Role

As Vice Chair, you will:

• Support the Chair in leading panel meetings and step in to chair where required
• Contribute to high-quality, balanced decision-making
• Help ensure panels operate in line with statutory requirements and best practice
• Support a culture of respectful challenge and inclusive discussion
• Contribute to the development and effectiveness of the panel
• Sit as a regular independent panel member when not required to chair.

Panels take place fortnightly on a Monday and alternate between being held in person and online. You will be on a rota and will not be expected to attend every panel.

The Team

You will be part of a supportive and experienced panel structure within a service committed to maintaining Outstanding standards.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in fostering, adoption or children in care
• Has the confidence to lead complex discussions
• Is an effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and improving outcomes for children

About Our Offer

• £500 payment per panel when chairing
• £80 (half day) / £150 (full day) payment per panel when not chairing
• Opportunity to contribute within an Outstanding local authority
• A meaningful and impactful role
• Training and ongoing support provided to develop your role

Further Information

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Panel Manager Abi Hall - [e-mail]

Interview date: Friday 6th November 2026

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit our website .

Head Office

Riverside House
Main Street
Rotherham
S60 1AE