Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer (QARO)

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government organization in Swindon is seeking a Foster Panel Member to participate in panel meetings and make recommendations regarding foster carer approvals. You will play a key role in monitoring and advising on the quality of care provided to children in the foster system. This position requires empathy, teamwork, and analytical skills, but no formal qualifications are necessary. Training and appraisal will be provided.

Benefits

Annual training

Quarterly Panel Business Meetings

Qualifications

• Experience in fostering sector or working with children/young people is preferred.
• Ability to commit to at least one foster panel meeting per month.
• Understanding of child welfare and foster care regulations.

Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute to foster panel meetings.
• Make recommendations regarding foster carer approvals.
• Monitor and advise on review procedures for foster carers.

Skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Practical judgement

Analytical skills

Job description

One or two meetings per month, 9am to 5pm (occasionally a half day)

Contract type:

Casual

£200 per day, inclusive of reading time

15/10/2025

Job reference:

RNR002864

Interview date:

22/10/2025

Date posted:

17/09/2025

We now have an exciting opportunity for you to join as a Foster Panel Member, on the Swindon Foster Panel.

• The Foster Panel runs on a fortnightly basis. Operating on a Tuesday the first week then a fortnight later on a Wednesday.

What does the Swindon Foster Panel do?

• We consider applications for approval and recommend whether or not a person is suitable to be approved as a foster carer.
• We monitor and advise on the procedures for undertaking reviews of foster carers.
• We hold annual reviews and other vital processes to make sure our children are being cared for by the very best, committed carers.
• We make recommendations on any other matters relating to fostering regulations.

Who makes up the panel?

• The Chair - who will be responsible for leading and directing the panel.
• The Vice-chair- who chairs panel in the absence of The chair.
• A Social Worker with at least 3 years post qualified experience.
• Independent Panel Members- People who want to make a difference to the lives of Swindon’s childrenand young people who are in the foster system.

What do we offer?

• Annual training.
• Annual appraisal of Foster Panel Members.
• Quarterly Panel Business Meetings.
• £200 per day, inclusive of reading time.

What do we need from a Panel Member?

The Panel Member will be part of a central list of people who we will call upon to attend Panel for the purpose of making recommendations about the approval of foster carers. Independent Panel Members need to be able to commit to attend a minimum of one foster panel per month.

We are looking for someone who will always be thinking of the child, ensuring they are at the forefront of all decisions. Must be able to work as a team member to achieve best outcomes for the children. Experience of working in the fostering sector and/or children/young people would be an advantage but not an essential requirement. No formal social work qualifications are necessary, but an understanding of and empathy for the work required. Good practical judgement combined with the ability to read and analyse complex written reports is needed.

To complement our existing skills set, and to ensure we have well rounded panels for the benefit of those in our care, we are particularly interested to hear from candidates with direct care experience, education and health professionals, people with experience of being a foster carers (although not for Swindon Borough Council due to potential for conflict of interest) and people with social work experience.

If you are interested in this position and have the necessary skills and experience please do not hesitate to apply by submitting your CV with a covering letter to Louise Drury, Foster Panel Administrator at [e-mail]