Independent Panel Member

Independent Panel Member (Health Specialist)

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency on behalf of Five Rivers Child Care Ltd

Location: London & East Region (Fostering Panel meets on the first Wednesday of each month, held either online or at our Harold Wood office)

Remuneration: £225 per panel meeting attended

Commitment: Part-time / Sessional (Monthly panel meetings plus advance paper review) Closing Date: 30/09/2026

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Five Rivers Child Care Ltd to recruit an experienced Independent Panel Member with a health professional background for our London and East Fostering Service. In this vital role, you will use your professional expertise to contribute to robust, child-focused decision-making, providing independent scrutiny and constructive challenge during foster carer approvals, annual reviews, and other key fostering-related matters.

Working alongside a multidisciplinary panel, your health knowledge and experience will ensure that every child's physical health, emotional wellbeing, and developmental needs are thoroughly evaluated and prioritized within panel discussions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent Scrutiny: Review and analyze complex fostering papers and assessment reports in advance of monthly meetings.

• Constructive Challenge: Contribute confidently to multidisciplinary panel discussions, offering balanced, evidence-based perspectives to ensure high standards of care.

• Child-Centred Decision Making: Apply your health expertise to safeguard children's welfare and promote stable, nurturing fostering arrangements.

• Panel Participation: Attend monthly Fostering Panel meetings (held on the first Wednesday of each month, either virtually or at our Harold Wood office).

Key Requirements

• Professional Qualifications: A recognised health professional qualification alongside relevant professional experience.

• Expertise: Strong working knowledge of children's health, child development, safeguarding responsibilities, and the needs of vulnerable young people.

• Core Competencies: Ability to analyse complex information, exercise sound professional judgment, and deliver constructive challenge within a collaborative setting.

• Values: A deep commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, coupled with exceptional communication and teamwork skills. (Previous experience in fostering, adoption, children's services, or panel work is desirable but not essential.)

Why Join Five Rivers?

• Meaningful Impact: Play a direct, influential role in shaping child-focused decisions and improving life outcomes for children and young people.

• Professional Collaboration: Work alongside a diverse network of experienced safeguarding and social care professionals.

• Support & Development: Receive a comprehensive induction, ongoing professional support, and preparation to excel in your role.

• Financial Recognition: Competitive fee of £225 paid per panel meeting attended.