Adoption Panel Manager

Adoption East Midlands (AEM) is a Regional Adoption Agency delivering adoption services (recruitment, adoption panels and adoption support) on behalf of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Authorities. The service is hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council, who are also the employer.

AEM recruit in the region of 80 adoptive families a year, place approximately 150 children and support approximately 800 families at any one time. The staff group is approximately 80 FTE and AEM seeks to be a reflective and dynamic employer and service provider.

Due to retirement, a vacancy has now arisen and we are seeking to employ a Panel Manager / Advisor to join our Regional Panel Team. You will work alongside three other panel advisors for 18.5hrs per week and must have at least five years post social work qualification experience.

Providing Agency Advice to the Adoption Panels, it is essential that you will have a good understanding of relevant adoption legislation and policy as well as the Agency’s policies, procedures and practice. Effective communication and negotiation skills and an attention to detail are required in the role as responsibilities will include liaison between the Agency, Agency Decision Maker, Chair and the Panels as well as on-going liaison with and feedback to relevant social work teams, and Panel Business support to ensure that an efficient and quality assured service is provided.  

As well as attending Panel as adviser, you will be required to assist with the appointment, performance monitoring, review and termination of members of the Central List. Co-ordinating Panel Activity on behalf of four Local Authorities, and the quality assurance of Child Permanence Reports will require effective planning and organisational skills to ensure clear process and standards are developed and adhered to by all to ensure that there is minimum delay for children who have a plan of adoption.

It is essential that you are social work qualified and registered with Social Work England; an understanding of diversity and difference is essential, and an expectation that you will contribute to improving outcomes for children and families and understand the concept of safeguarding children and young people. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Powerpoint and Outlook will be expected. Given the size of the Region, it is essential that you have a valid driving licence and access to a car (a taxi service will be provided where disability precludes this).

You will receive regular supervision and be part of a supportive team environment.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Adoption Service Manager Jane Bolan on 07584 593752