Outside body

Meeting frequency

There are 8 Panels that each meet monthly on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday. New panel members can specify which day suits them best.

Time commitment

Panel’s start at 9.30 and can run until 4.30 depending on the agenda, is a large reading commitment for panels with it taking around a day to read the panel paperwork and prepare questions/notes prior to panel.  There is also one day of panel training a year.

Panel Member requirement

In order for panels to be quorate One Adoption require a level of consistency in regards to attendance so panel members are expected to attend 75% of panels annually. 

Training

New panel members will be required to complete an application form, observe a panel and sign the panel protocol/confidentiality agreements.  All panel paperwork is viewed online through SharePoint from the member’s own device. A link will be sent within 5 working days of each panel.  Panel members will meet with the OAWY service lead for panels where they can ask questions about how the panel works before they observe the panel as part of their recruitment.  As panel members generally have a link to adoption or children’s services before joining the panel, this is all that is generally needed however if more training is required then it will be provided ‘on the job’.

Training will usually be provided once a year for a full day covering issues around adoption rather than specific training on how to be panel members. There are opportunities to attend shorter training sessions throughout the year.